SIERADZ

city, capital of Sieradz wojewdztwo (province), south-central Poland. Sieradz is one of the oldest cities in Poland. About 1025 a fortified township was founded on the present site. Although reinforced in the 14th century, the fortress town was destroyed by Swedish invaders. Surviving examples of 14th-century Baroque and Rococo architecture and art in the city include the Dominican church with a monastery, the Market Square, and the Royal House (Krolewska Kamienica); there is also a regional museum. The urban economy is based on the manufacture of knitted textiles and farm machinery and on food processing. Pop. (1987 est.) 38,200.