Skrwilno [ˈskrvilnɔ] is a village in Rypin County, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, in north-central Poland.[1] It is the seat of the gmina (administrative district) called Gmina Skrwilno. It lies approximately 12 kilometres (7 mi) south-east of Rypin and 66 km (41 mi) east of Toruń.

Skrwilno
Village
Saint Anne church in Skrwilno
Skrwilno Show map of Poland Skrwilno Show map of Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship
Coordinates: 53°1′N 19°36′E
Country	Poland
Voivodeship	Kuyavian-Pomeranian
County	Rypin
Gmina	Skrwilno
Elevation	125 m (410 ft)
Population (approx.)	1,700
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Vehicle registration	CRY
Website	http://www.skrwilno.lo.pl/

The village has an approximate population of 1,700.

History

Skrwilno dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was a Polish stronghold. The stronghold was probably built by first historic Polish ruler Mieszko I in the 10th century.[2]

During the Swedish invasion of Poland, in 1658, the Swedes murdered the local Polish priest Walerian Cząpski.[3]

During the occupation of Poland (World War II), between October 15 and November 15, 1939, the Germans carried out mass executions of Poles from Rypin, Wąbrzeźno, Brodnica and Skrwilno in the village (see Nazi crimes against the Polish nation).[4] Also Poles murdered in Rypin were buried in the village.[5] The Germans also destroyed the historic palace.[2]

In 1961, a collection of gold and silver tableware, jewelry and pearls from the 16th and 17th century, was found at the medieval stronghold.[6] Named the Skrwilno Treasure [pl], it is considered one of the most valuable treasures found in Poland in the 20th century. The treasure belonged to Polish noblewoman Zofia Piwowa, who probably buried it during the Swedish invasion of Poland around 1655.[3] It is displayed at the District Museum in Toruń.

Notable people

• Dominik Witke-Jeżewski [pl] (1862–1944), Polish landowner, nobleman, collector and patron of art

References