Suchowola

A town over the Olszanka river. Founded in 16^th century during the settlement of crown Nowodworce Forest. The name origin is connected with being founded on so called “dry root” (suchy korzeń), i.e. on a clear cutting. Second part – “wola” – from being granted free time for paying rent and other liabilities (“wola” is an older version of “wolny” and means “free”). In 1777 it was awarded with town privileges. Jews that were allowed to settle here thanks to the privilege granted by king Augustus II contribute to development of trade and small-scale industry. In the middle of 18^th century, an opinion appears, stating that the town is the geographical centre of Europe. Suchowola in 17^th and 18^th century is famous for cereal, cattle and especially horse trade. It loses town privileges in 1950, regains them in 1997. Historical buildings: classicistic Peter and Paul Church from 1885, a number of brick buildings form the end of 19^th and beginning of 20^th century, a stone and plaque informing on the centre of Europe, openwork steel arch – an element of the field altar from the Krywlany airport in Białystok used during the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1991. Coach stop.


Porch of a house from the turn of the 19^th and 20^th centuries, richly decorated.