DĘBICA

DĘBICA
The Open Town

Dębica is a modern town which
perfectly combines the charm of the 650
years of history with its industrial
c h a ra c ter. Th e town o f fers i d e a l
conditions for active leisure as well as rich
variety of cultural events, no other place
in Poland can match. Musical traditions of
Dębica have influenced our most famous
citizen, the contemporary composer,
K r z y s z t o f Pe n d e r e c k i . D ę b i c a i s
a hometown of not only artists, musicians,
actors and scientists, but also a great
number of sportsmen, since it serves as an
important sport center. Our town is open
to investments and proposals of
cooperation; and welcomes visitors and
those who seek new trade relations or
business partners.
Dębica, situated in south-eastern Poland, has over 48
thousand inhabitants. It stands at the edges of
Sandomierz Basin and Carpathian Foothills, on the River
Wisłoka. There are many beautiful places, suitable for all
kinds of relaxation and recreational activities in this
region. The picturesque town is not far from Ukrainian and
Slovakian borders.
Signpost
with distances
from Dębica:
The Town Square in Dębica
(photo by Wojciech Woźniak)
Berlin (Germany) – 850 km
Lvov (Ukraine) – 150 km
Dębica plays an important role in domestic and
international communications system. It is located on the
main west-east European highway E-40, which goes from
Germany to Ukraine. In the future, the A-4 highway will
run just the to the north of the city. Two exits from the
highway are planned for Dębica. The system of railway
transportation, running through the town, connects
Wrocław, Przemyśl and Zamość. The nearest airport is 50
km from Dębica, in Jasionka near Rzeszów, another one is
in Kraków, 120 km from Dębica.
DĘBICA
Brussels (Belgium) – 1450 km
Paryż (France) – 1653 km
Warsaw – 268 km
Kraków– 117 km
History of the town began 650 years ago, though the oldest document that
mentions a settlement named Dambicha dates back to 1293. Not until 1358,
king Casimir III the Great issued a foundation charter to Świętosław Gryfita,
allowing him to build a town. It begin to flourish thank to the privilege to
organize farmer’s markets and fairs, granted in 1446. The town developed
slowly but constantly, and more and more new settlers built their houses there.
A town square and a town hall, situated near Saint Jadwiga Church were the
town’s center. Building of Saint Barbara Church (1651), outside the town, gave
birth of the New Dębica. Jewish settlers, who arrived in 1676 – 1690, established
their own districts in Old and New Dębica. As times went by, their influence on
town’s economy became more significant.
After the First Partition of Poland in 1772, Dębica found itself in Habsburg
Empire, New Austrian authorities decided that it should no longer be regarded as a town. This decision marked the decline of
the town.
This dramatic situation came to an end in the second half of the 19th century, when a main west-east railroad line,
connecting Kraków and Lvov was built (1856). The town became a rail junction and since then industrial development began.
In 1914, just before the outbreak of the First World War, Dębica was again incorporated as a town.
In 1936-1939, after Polish government had announced creation of Central Industrial Area aimed at fighting unemployment
in this part of Poland, Dębica experienced fast development. Among several factories built at that time, the most important
were a tire factory, a rubber factory (which produced synthetic rubber, original invention of Polish scientists), a metal rolling
mill, and explosive materials factory (in nearby Pustków). In 1937 the county’s capital in Krakowskie Province was moved here.
Just before the Second World War the number of dwellers exceeded 10.000.

After the Second World War Dębica was rebuilt and extended. Until 1975 it was a county’s capitol in Rzeszowskie Province.
Administrative reform made Dębica the second most important and most populated town in newly created Tarnowskie
Province. Since 1 January 1999 the town has been the seat of Dębica county in the Podkarpackie Province. It is still among
the economic and social leaders of the region.
Dębica is an important industrial center of Poland. Companies located here have successfully conquered not only
European, but the world markets. The town offers rich technical infrastructure, great living conditions and educational
possibilities. Business companies provide consulting, financial, insurance and legal services.
Dębica has been an economic town for over 70 lat, since three major industrial plants were located here. Several
thousand highly developed production, service and commercial companies carry out their business activities and hire well
trained personnel.
The largest group of Dębica’s citizens are young people, aged 20 to 29. They constitute 19 per cent of the residents. The
second biggest group are people aged 40 – 49 (over 15 per cent). 14 per cent of population is 50 – 59 years old, 12 per cent is
30 - 39 years old.
Various events, like old time vehicles show, are held in the town square.
Almost 48 per cent of working group is employed in industry
and construction. 29 per cent work in market sector and 23 per
cent in non-market sector. The town remains one of the best places
in southern Poland to locate companies and firms. Dębica
welcomes new investors. It is classified high in the ranking of
investment attractive offers in Poland, partially because the cost of
running business here are significantly lower than in big cities.
One of our chief assets is the convenient location. It is easy to get
here! Dębica is located on the main west-east European highway E-
40 (domestic road number E-4), which goes from Berlin to Kiev via
Wrocław, Kraków and Korczowa.
Debica
In the near future, the A-4 highway with two exits for Dębica will be built just to the north of the town. Dębica is situated at
the crossing of important communications routes between Warsaw, Tarnobrzeg, Mielec, Jasło and Krosno, and Barwinek at
the Slovakian border.
Dębica is cut by Berlin – Kiev trans-European railway E – 30. It is one of the busiest lines in passenger and freight transport.
The railway station is situated in the center of the town. Dębica is an important rail junction point. It has convenient rail
connection with the province capital, Rzeszów (40 min.) and Kraków (1 h 40 min). There are many direct rail links to Wrocław,
Poznań, Szczecin, Katowice, Warsaw, Gdańsk, Lublin, Zamość and Przemyśl. The sidings and PKP Cargo transportation in
Dębica are used by various companies from the region.
The nearest domestic and international airport is situated in Jasionka, near Rzeszów (50 km). Recently the port has
undergone some rapid development. According to the plans, a new passenger terminal is going to be built, and the net of
international links as well as cargo port for industrial transport are going to be expanded.
The biggest airport of the region is International Airport Kraków - Balice near Kraków (120 km). Kraków – Balice is the
second busiest airport in the country. The flights reach most destinations in Europe and over the Atlantic Ocean.
Dębica is well connected with both cities. Tourists and businessmen visiting our town can count on fast communication
with their home towns and countries.
The third, smaller cargo airport, 30 km away from Dębica is in Mielec . Plans are underway to receive small passenger
planes there.

Dębica is oriented to the development of industry,
tourism and recreation, communication, construction and
services.
The Tire Company „Dębica” S. A. is the larger employer in
the Podkarpackie Province and one of the biggest tire
producers in the country. It is a subsidiary of the American
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. The take over by new
investor allowed the company to reorganize and
modernize production technology. Dębica is also famous
for another company, Refrigeration Equipment Factory
"PZL - Dębica" S.A. – one of the biggest freezer appliances
producers in Poland.
Modern paint shop in “Arkus & Romet”
Significant position on the economic map of the town is
held by the manufacturer of paints and varnishes, “TBD S.A”,
a part of Finnish concern “Tikkurila OY”. Beside companies
mentioned above, industrial potential of the town is
formed by many other firms, such as: “Trans-Południe” (a
logistic and transport company); “Bratex” (a manufacturer
of high quality roofing); “Kanwil” (a game processing
company); “Animex Południe” (a poultry processing
company); “Igloomeat – Sokołów”; Meat Factory Dębica,
which is now a part of “Profi” holding. The busiest
construction companies are: “Igloobud”, “Pesam”, “Hand –
Bud”, “Ocynkownia - Polimex Mostostal Siedlce”; “Ventor”
and “Darco”(producers of air conditioning systems);„Rufus”
(a manufacturer of products for aircraft industries);
and “Pex-Pool” (a highly regarded producer of generating
sets for civil and military purposes). The most dynamically
developing companies nowadays are: “Aksil” (a plant of
specialized paints and varnishes) and “Ban-Kor-Bet” (a
producer of concrete); „Millenium” and „Prografix”(printing
houses); and “Gas Trading Podkarpacie” (a distributor of
gas). Some companies have moved to the towns outskirts.
Among these are: “Śnieżka” (a producer of paints and
varnishes) “Jabo Marmi” (a marble processing company);
„Olimp Laboratories” Sp. z o.o. (a manufacturer of sport
nutrition and diet products); and “Arkus &Romet” (the
largest producer of bicycles and motorbikes in Poland).
Meat factory in Dębica
Not only production companies are settled in Dębica.
Services and trades are widely represented here as well.
There are almost 1800 service companies and 1600
firms and retail outlets. Some international supermarket
chains, like “Tesco”, “Intermarche”, “Lidl”, “Kaufland”, and
“Carrefour”, have their branches in our town. Dębica offers
much lower costs of running business and services than
big cities.
“Raj” shopping center
Fredro’s estate (photo by Wojciech Woźniak)

The youth can take advantage of rich educational offer. The youngest are taken care of by qualified staff of teachers in 11 well
accommodated and equipped pre-schools. Day care centers can be found in two of these institutions. Parents can also send
their children to an integrated pre-school run by the nuns.
Pupils from elementary schools have the opportunity to participate in many after school activities. The supplementary
work with the pupils effects in their successes. According to rankings, elementary and secondary schools from Dębica are
among the best in the Podkarpackie Province. Their students win numerous contests and competitions. High standards of
teaching in secondary schools allow the students to get thorough education. Children in Dębica learn about healthy lifestyle.
Some schools in town belong to National Net of Health Promoting Schools.
The secondary school graduates can continue their
education in 6 high school complexes. There are lyceums
and profiled high schools with majors like economics,
trade, gastronomy, sewing, mechanics, and
administration.
The oldest school is King Wladyslaw Jagiello’s Number
I Lyceum in Dębica, established in 1900. For years it has
been considered one of the best schools in
Podkarpackie Province. The standards of teaching in
other schools, i.e. The School of Economics, Vocational
Schools Number I and II, and Lyceum Number II, are also
high.
Schools are very well equipped and the students achieve successes.
European School of New Technologies and Tourism
The graduates can continue studying in the local
branch of Cracow University of Economics. Its students
actively participate in social life of the town, holding
many interesting events and lectures. Opening a branch
of such a prestigious school is considered a great success
of Dębica’s authorities. The European School of New
Technologies and Tourism can also be proud of its
achievements in training personnel of hotel and
computer science industries.
A branch of Cracow University of Economics has opened in Dębica.
Krzysztof Penderecki giving concert in Dębica
Dębica has plenty of cultural achievements in music and theatre
in particular. Over one hundred years of musical tradition has
influenced Krzysztof Penderecki, a world famous classical
composer, born and raised in Dębica. Fascinated by local brass
bands, he started his musical education. Even today, he gladly
returns here and every year gives concerts in his birth town.
The Music School of I and II degree, named after Krzysztof
Penderecki, has been training musically talented children for
almost 50 years. Some graduates chose career in show business,
but most of them continue with classical music. The music school
graduates play in symphony and chamber orchestras, jazz bands,
and popular music bands.
Dębica is proud of its amateur artists movement, no other town
in the country can match. For many years amateur actors and
musicians have staged some famous Polish operas and operettas,
like „Halka”, „Verbum Mobile”, „Krakowiacy i Górale”. Every year
several hundred people participate in this unusual event,
originated by Paweł Adamek, a musician and organizer of cultural
activities.

In Dębica there are numerous culture centers of various
profiles. They offer various forms of cultural education – theatre,
declamation, music, film, photography, dancing and art classes.
The workshops, conducted by professionals, for many years have
been popular among the children and teenagers, however they
are also addressed to adults. Owing to some outstanding experts
in drama, Dębica can be proud of its performing artists, who
perform on the best stages. Anna Augustynowicz, a director,
Mariusz Kilian and Mariusz Kropielnicki, actors, have begun their
career here, in Dębica.
Dębica’s Art Gallery is famous for its successful exhibitions,
organizing plain-air workshops, and professional drawing school
for children and teenagers. This is the place to meet not only local
artists, but also guests from abroad, and admire their works.
Amateur artists from Dębica stage operas
The Public Library has helped to educate many generations of
Dębica citizens. The book collection, available to every person,
consist of over 250.000 volumes. The reading room offers a wide
choice of newspapers and magazines as well as some unique
books. Several branches of the library work in the town.
Interesting collection of books can be found in The Pedagogical
Library. Its offer is addressed to students and teachers.
For 30 years the two Song and Dance Ensembles, „Małopolska”
and “Igloopolanie”, have represented the town on stages in
Poland and in the world. Regional folk tradition is maintained and
celebrated by members of folk bands„Morsy” and„Gryfici”.
Many important cultural events, such as „Golden Couple”
Ballroom Dancing Competition, Children’s and Youth Dance
Ensembles Championships “O Laur Rzecha”, declamation
tournaments, and National Festival of Religious and Patriotic Exhibitions at Art Gallery are very popular
Songs „Polonia Semper Fidelis” take place in Dębica. During the
Art’s Days Festival thousands of theater and music lovers from
Dębica and the region can watch some most interesting plays and concerts.
One of the citizens’ most favorite events is “Dębica Days”, held in June. It is a few-day long festival, which takes place in the
Town Square, the heart of our town. The concerts and sport games usually attract thousands of people form the region.
Lots of people visit Regional History Museum and admire its rich collection of military pieces. One can see historical tanks and
cannons, a combat plane and a helicopter. The museum is mentioned by Polish edition of Great Oxford Encyclopedia of the
World, as a place worth visiting.
Saint Jadwiga Church in Dębica
There are several interesting historical monuments in Dębica. The most valuable is
the Saint Jadwiga Church from the 16th century. Its distinctive tower is recognized by
all residents. The church, rebuilt in 19th. century, lost some of its gothic charm.
Another important architectural monument is the 19th century manor house at
Wolica. In the past it belonged to the Raczyński family, the Christianis and the Płocki
family.
The synagogue dating back to the 18th century belongs to Confederation of Cracow
Jewish Communities. Inside the historical building no traces of its original usage were
left. Today the synagogue serves as a department store.
A period cemetery chapel of the Raczyński family, who rendered great service to our
country, can be found at the
parish cemetery. The neo-
Gothic building was erected
around 1880.
Among the most interesting
places and buildings from the
past are: the Town Square with
several historic tenements
from 19th century; villa “Wiluszówka”, a house of a prewar public
notary; an edifice of historic Gym Society “Sokół”, an office of the
Community Center “Śnieżka”; and a school building at Słowacki
Street, dating back to the beginning of 20th century - today’s King
Wladyslaw Jagiello’s Number I Lyceum in Dębica.
Synagogue

The pools complex hosts European swimming competitions.
The town has been investing in development of sport facilities.
Today it offers one of the best sport basis in Podkarpacie. Dębica
has a unique pools complex: an Olympic indoor swimming pool at
Piłsudski street, and summer outdoor recreation pool at Sobieski
street. For several years Dębica has hosted prestigious National
and World Swimming Championships and Poland Grand Prix. An
ice skating rink is available in the same building. Hockey teams
from the region can practice there. The rink is also used by figure
dancing section of the sport club.
Many training camps are organized in Dębica. The teams have
specialized sports centers, halls and fields at their disposal.
Professional sport center in nearby Straszęcin is a training basis for
the first division football teams. In the past it was used by our national football
team.
The town has always been proud of its sport tradition. “Wisłoka Dębica”, founded
almost 100 years ago, is one of the oldest sport clubs in Poland. Its athletes,
especially from the wrestling section, won 40 Olympic, world and European
championship medals. 30 years old sport club “Igloolpol” has been a breeding
ground for boxing and football champions.
Artificial skating rink in Dębica.
Wrestlers from Dębica are among the best in Poland
The town’s authorities introduced the project “Europe of Towns”
to their representatives in European Parliament.
Dębica has been officially cooperating with Puurs, Belgium,
since 1999. The first contact was established during the concert
tour of Song and Dance Ensemble "Małopolska”. Since then
many residents of Dębica have visited Belgium, making friends
and starting Polish – Belgian families. For years Dębica has have
an active Polish – Belgian Society: Dębica - Puurs „Heart for
Heart”, similar to Belgian Cooperation Committee Puurs -
Dębica. The local governments, culture centers and schools
from both towns have actively cooperated.
The town keeps in touch with Polish community in the
U.S.A., strongly represented by emigrants from Dębica. Our
original project of cooperation between the 27 EU towns,
“Europe of Towns”, has brought Dębica many new friends,
interested in joining the partnership. The project’s aim is to
develop a close business, cultural, tourist and social relations
between the European communities. The project helps the
residents of united towns find business and trade partners and
present the offer of their companies to potential clients from
abroad. The students exchange is considered an important
part of the program. The great number of activities will be
financed by the EU.
Creating an information portal, available to residents of all
partner towns, is a part of the program. Dębica plans to open
conference and festival centers and a trade fair, which will held
the meeting, trade seminars, conventions and festivals
organized by local governments of partner towns.
The project “Europe of Towns” was introduced to some
members of the European Parliament in Brussels.
Local authorities of Dębica and Puurs

Photos: Artur Barwacz (okładka), Tomasz Rowiński, Wojciech Woźniak