when its competitor, Wolin (also known as Veneta in medieval
chronicles) declined Szczecin began to prosper from trade and became one of the
major Baltic sea harbours. Its name was first recorded in 1133 as
"Stetin". In 1181 Pomeranian dukes joined Holy Roman Empire. In 1243
Szczecin got city rights before it became member of the Hanseatic League in
1278. Until early 17th century the city was the capital of Pomeranian Dukedom,
then in 1630 when local dukes died out it became part of Sweden, then Kingdom
of Prussia, then for a brief period, due to Napoleon's conquests, the Empire of
France. Beginning in the 18th century, the city constituted as a part of
Germany and served as the "port of Berlin". During World War II the
city was hit hard by Allied bombers - city centre, Old Town and industrial
areas were totally ruined. After the Soviet forces invaded Nazi Germany in
1945, according to Potsdam Conference agreements Poland annexed all lands up to
the Oder river, expelling the native German population and ultimately extending
the border to include Stettin. Poland thus gained control of the city.
In more recent history, the city was (together with Tricity) one of the
birthplaces of Solidarity movement.
An unusual feature of Szczecin is its urban planning - many roundabouts and
wide avenues. Stettin was rebuilt in 1880's using designs by Georges-Eugene
Haussmann, who also did the urban planning for Paris. His design style is still
being used for newly-built (or modified) city areas.
The maritime industry is still strong with
a busy port and repair shipyard, as well as being a center of service industries
in Poland. Situated near the border between Germany and Poland, Szczecin is
sometimes considered one of most liberal Polish cities.
