Kutno
Kutno is a city in central Poland, functioning as the capital of Kutno County in the Łódź Voivodeship, with a population of 40,723 as of 2023.[1] Positioned roughly 20 kilometers northwest of Poland's geographical center, it has long operated as a trade and railway junction owing to its strategic placement on historical routes.[2] The city's documented history begins in the late 14th century with trading privileges issued by the Duke of Mazovia, fostering growth through fairs, guilds, and commerce amid shifting ownerships and partitions of Poland.[3] By the 19th century, railway connections spurred industrialization and population expansion beyond 10,000 residents by 1890, solidifying its role as a regional hub.[3] In the 20th century, Kutno endured devastation during World War II, including frontline combat in the Battle of the Bzura and the imposition of a ghetto that epitomized the brutalities of Nazi occupation, leading to widespread destruction and demographic upheaval.[3] Postwar reconstruction elevated it to prominence as the "City of Roses" for extensive floral cultivation and displays, alongside modern amenities like museums commemorating its military past and cultural heritage.[4]