ZIELONA GRA

German Grnberg, city, capital of Zielona Gra wojewdztwo (province), west-central Poland. It is an important industrial (textile and metal production) and cultural centre, having for centuries nurtured the theatre arts and a lively folk culture. Beginning with the coming of Flemish weavers in the 13th century, the city prospered as a textile centre, its economic development reaching its zenith in the 15th century. Thereafter, it was devastated several times by fires and wars, and during World War II about 30 percent of the city was damaged by the Germans. Zielona Gra lies in a hollow surrounded by vineyardswhich are rare in the regionwinding across the hills. A vintners' festival is held annually in the fall. The city was the birthplace of the painter Tadeusz Konicz in 1733. Zielona Gra's medieval town hall includes an 18th-century addition (housing a museum) and a 15th-century tower. Pop. (1987 est.) 112,200.