Dzierżoniów is located in the Lower Silesia Voivodship, at the foot of the picturesque and attractive for tourists Owl Mountains (Góry Sowie). They are exceptional for the abundance of minerals, unique elements of flora and fauna and unsolved mysteries of the underground objects dating back to the II World War. From the north of the town rises Ślęża Mountain (commonly called “The Silesian Olympus”), which in the past used to be the place of religious rites for many cultures. Dzierżoniów is a middle-sized town with 35,5 thousand inhabitants. The history of the town can be traced back to the 13^th century, where one can find remembrances of Piast dynasty ruling, Czech rulers, Habsburg dynasty or, at last, German and Polish nations. The first written mention about Dzierżoniów comes from the records dating back to the 50’s of the 13^th century. This is the time when the Church of St. George was also noted. By the end of the 13^th century the town was recognized as an economic and administration centre for the entire region. Dzierżoniów, at the beginning of its history, was subordinated to the Wroclaw princes and, in the end, turned to be one of the leading focal points of the Principality of Świdnica-Jawor. The urban layout designed at that time, with extensive market square, town hall and roads, coming out of the centre of every frontage, is visible until nowadays. The 14^th  century was marked with gradual dependence of Lower Silesia on the Czech crown. In 1392 the Principality of Świdnica-Jawor passed under the reign of Prague. The subsequent century brought the Hussite revolts, due to which the town as well as the whole region were plundered by the crossings of the armed bands and epidemics. In 1526 the Kingdom of Bohemia, including Dzierżoniów, came under the rule of the Habsburg monarchy. In the 16^th century the development of commerce and crafts as well as manufacturing of linen and other textiles was observed. The second half of that century and the beginning of the 17^th century are sometimes called “ the golden age” of the town. Favorable period ended in 1618, along with the commencement of the destructive Thirty Years’ War. Another 100 years was the time of relative peace, interrupted however by the outbreak of the Silesian Wars (1740-1763). As their result, Dzierżoniów and greater part of Silesia became part of the Kingdom of Prussia. System and administration changes were introduced. In 1816-1820 the town became the capital city of one of the four districts of the Silesian province. Under the Prussian reign Dzierżoniów found its place in the European history. In 1790 Dzierżoniów hosted diplomats from the Kingdom of Prussia, Austria, Netherlands, England and Polish Republic. During the second meeting held in 1813 the visit to Dzierżoniów land was paid by monarchs: Frederic William of Prussia and Tsar Alexander I of Russia. In 1800 Dzierżoniów was visited by John Quincy Adams, member of the United States Senate, later on elected the sixth President of the Untied States of America. In the 19^th century the town along with the rest of region became the centre of Silesian textile industry. However, in the second half of the century crisis of the textile branch of industry led to the fierce uprising of the labor class, known in history as the Weavers Uprising.  Echoes of the events of June 1840 can be found later on in the drama of the Nobel Prize winner Gerhard Hauptman. In the 19^th century the town accomplished a number of municipal investments, lots of public and private buildings were built. In 1855 the town was connected to railway network from Świdnica, whereas at the turn of the 19^th  and 20^th century the Owl Mountain rail network joining Dzierżoniów with nearby towns was developed. At the beginning of the 20^th century Dzierżoniów ranked as the sixth biggest town in Silesia owing to the annexation of Ernsdorf (present Dzierżoniów Dolny) within the town’s boarders. The 20^th century was a witness to two World Wars. In 1945 Dzierżoniów belonged to so-called “regained territories” returned to Poland. In the field of economy the town could boast the development of textile and electromechanical industry, with the radio plant “Diora” famous for its product both home and abroad. As a result of administrative changes in 1975 Dzierżoniów fell within the boarders of the Wałbrzych Voivodship. In 1989 system changes led to the appointment of commune councils, a type of administrative unit exercising legal independence. Economic transformation of the 90’s triggered the collapse of large companies. Present industrial sector of the town is dominated by small- and medium-sized companies. Dzierżoniów has won the title of “City 2000” for the program of Complex Revitalization of Old Town. The town can also boast nicely lit streets, housing estates, parks and green squares. In 1999 Dzierżoniów won the third place as one of the best lit communes in Poland. In the field of education the commune council runs the program of Local Governing Schools, addressing such issues like: financing extra classes, granting awards and scholarships for the best students. The key importance for the town’s economic development is owed to the establishing in 1997 the sub-zone of the Wałbrzych Special Economic Zone INVEST-PARK. It provides preferential and attractive conditions for investors. Small- and medium-sized companies are offered package of allowances and incentives for business undertaking. What is more, the Municipality has developed and is implementing Long-Term Investment Plan, which is a perfect “tool” in application for European Union funds. In the competition “Professional Commune Friendly for Investors” (Profesionalna Gmina Przyjazna Inwestorom) Dzierżoniów has been twice awarded the highest distinction, whereas in 2003 won the title of “Fair Play Commune – Certified Investment Localization” (Gmina Fair Play –Certyfikowana Lokalizacja Inwestycj)i. Great asset and undoubtedly the greatest achievement for the Municipality of Dzierżoniów, as the first unit of public administration in Poland, was granting in 1999 Quality Management System Certificate PN-ISO 9002:1996 and in 2003 PN-ISO 9001:2001. In 2004 the Municipality was distinguished with the following awards: “Leader of Management in Commune Council” (Lider Zarządzania w Samorządzie Gminnym) and “European Quality Award EFQM” (Europejska Nagroda Jakości EFQ).Patrons of the town are Saint George and Jan Dzierżoń. St. George lived at the turn of the 3^rd and 4^th century. He served in the army of Roman Emperor Diocletian. When Emperor began persecution of Christians, George defied him confessing to being a Christian himself. As a result of it, Diocletian ordered his terrible torture which led to his death on the 24^th of April 303. In the Christian tradition he is depicted as a knight mounted upon a horse and victoriously slaying the dragon; therefore he is claimed to be the patron of soldiers. Jan Dzierżoń is the second patron of the town. He was a great apiarist and a man of science. He lived in 1811-1906 and organized bee-keepers clubs in Lower Silesia, which were later joined into the Apiarist Association. He found his place in history as the one who discovered bees parthenogenesis. For 15 years Dzierżoniów has maintained relations with his German partner town Bischofsheim. In 1999 signing of the partnership agreement led to the formal cooperation with Czech town LANSKROUN. The mass cultural events are held in the town. The biggest events are: DAYS OF DZIERŻONIÓW (DNI DZIERŻONIOWA), DZIERŻONIÓW BUSINESS PRESENTATIONS (DZIERŻONIOWSKIE PREZENTACJE GOSPODARCZE), POETRY ON THE WALLS (POEZJA NA MURACH), HONEY HARVEST FESTIVAL (MIODOBRANIE). In Dzierżoniów resiliently operates Cultural Centre, distinguished with awards of the national importance, and Sports and Recreational Centre organizing events of the international prestige.