LOMZA

city, Lomza wojewdztwo (province), northeastern Poland. The city was first chronicled in the 14th century and received its city rights in 1428. Located on the Narew and Komzyczka rivers in the west-central plains of Lomza province, it lies midway between the cities of Ostroleka and Bialystok. The local economy is dependent upon food processing, paper milling, and textile manufacturing. During World War II, Lomza city was almost totally destroyed. An extensive postwar building and restoration program has produced a cultural centre and the Kurpie Museum; the 16th-century Gothic cathedral was also restored. The city became the provincial capital in 1975. Pop. (1994 est.) 62,600.