BIELSKO-BIALA

city, capital of Bielsko-Biala wojewdztwo (province), southern Poland. It lies in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. Incorporated in 1951, the city existed previously as two separate towns on either side of the Biala River. Bielsko originated as a 13th-century settlement around a stronghold and developed during the 16th century through its textile industry. It received town rights in the 18th century, as did Biala. The city is now a major textile centre and tourist resort amid picturesque surroundings. It has a rail line and road connections to Krakw and the Czech Republic. Pop. (1994 est.) 181,000.