# Mikołów

> town in Silesian Voivodeship, in southern Poland

**Wikidata**: [Q659905](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q659905)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikołów)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mikoow

## Summary
Mikołów is a historic town in the Silesian Voivodeship of southern Poland, founded in 1222. It serves as an urban municipality and the administrative center of Mikołów County, with a population of 41,266 as of the 2021 Polish census.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Situated in southern Poland, within the Silesian Voivodeship, at coordinates 50.1708°N, 18.9039°E.
- **Founding**: Established in 1222, making it over 800 years old.
- **Population**: 41,266 residents as of March 31, 2021 (21,452 female, 19,814 male).
- **Area**: Covers 79.2 square kilometers.
- **Administrative Role**: Capital of Mikołów County and classified as an urban municipality.
- **Time Zone**: Operates on Central European Time (UTC+1) and Central European Summer Time (UTC+2).
- **Postal Codes**: Ranges from 43-190 to 43-197.
- **Official Name**: "Mikołów" in Polish; historical aliases include Nikolai, Nicolai, Mikulov, and Mikołůw.
- **Bordering Municipalities**: Shares borders with Katowice, Tychy, Orzesze, Gmina Ornontowice, Gmina Gierałtowice, Gmina Wyry, Łaziska Górne, and Ruda Śląska.
- **Twin Town**: Ilava (Slovakia).
- **Website**: [Official municipal website](http://www.mikolow.um.gov.pl).
- **Coat of Arms**: Features a distinctive emblem ([view here](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/POL_Mikołów_COA.svg)).
- **Licence Plate Code**: "SMI" for vehicle registration.

## FAQs
**What is the history of Mikołów?**
Mikołów was founded in 1222 and has a rich history as part of the Silesian region. It has evolved from a medieval settlement into a modern urban municipality with over 800 years of documented existence.

**Where is Mikołów located?**
Mikołów is in southern Poland, within the Silesian Voivodeship. It lies at 50.1708°N latitude and 18.9039°E longitude, near major cities like Katowice and Tychy.

**What is the population of Mikołów?**
As of the 2021 Polish census, Mikołów had 41,266 inhabitants, with 21,452 females and 19,814 males. The population was 42,053 in 2005.

**What are the neighboring towns of Mikołów?**
Mikołów shares borders with eight municipalities: Katowice, Tychy, Orzesze, Gmina Ornontowice, Gmina Gierałtowice, Gmina Wyry, Łaziska Górne, and Ruda Śląska.

**Does Mikołów have any international partnerships?**
Yes, Mikołów is twinned with Ilava, a town in Slovakia, fostering cultural and administrative exchanges.

## Why It Matters
Mikołów plays a significant role as a historical and administrative hub in the Silesian Voivodeship. Its long-standing presence since 1222 reflects the enduring cultural and urban development of southern Poland. As the seat of Mikołów County, it serves as a key center for governance, commerce, and community life in the region. The town’s strategic location near major cities like Katowice and Tychy further amplifies its importance in regional connectivity and economic activity. Additionally, its twinning with Ilava highlights its engagement in international cooperation, promoting cross-border relationships.

## Notable For
- **Historical Longevity**: One of the oldest towns in Silesia, founded in 1222.
- **Administrative Significance**: Serves as the capital of Mikołów County and an urban municipality.
- **Cultural Heritage**: Retains historical aliases (Nikolai, Nicolai) and a distinctive coat of arms.
- **Strategic Location**: Bordered by multiple major municipalities, enhancing its regional influence.
- **International Relations**: Twinned with Ilava, Slovakia, demonstrating cross-border collaboration.

## Body
### **History and Founding**
Mikołów was established in **1222**, making it one of the oldest settlements in the Silesian Voivodeship. Its historical names—Nikolai, Nicolai, Mikulov, and Mikołůw—reflect its evolution under different linguistic and political influences over centuries.

### **Geography and Location**
The town spans **79.2 square kilometers** and is located at **50.1708°N, 18.9039°E** in southern Poland. It is part of the **Silesian Voivodeship** and serves as the administrative center of **Mikołów County**. Mikołów is strategically positioned near major urban centers, including **Katowice** and **Tychy**, and shares borders with eight neighboring municipalities.

### **Demographics**
As of **March 31, 2021**, Mikołów had a population of **41,266**, with **21,452 females** and **19,814 males**, per the Polish census. The population in **2005** was slightly higher at **42,053**.

### **Governance and Administration**
Mikołów is classified as an **urban municipality** and holds the **TERC municipality code 2408021**. It operates under the **SMI licence plate code** for vehicle registration. The town’s official website ([mikolow.um.gov.pl](http://www.mikolow.um.gov.pl)) provides municipal services and information.

### **Cultural and International Relations**
Mikołów is twinned with **Ilava, Slovakia**, fostering cultural and administrative exchanges. The town’s **coat of arms** ([view here](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/POL_Mikołów_COA.svg)) is a symbol of its historical identity.

### **Infrastructure and Identification**
- **Postal Codes**: 43-190 to 43-197.
- **Time Zone**: Central European Time (UTC+1) and Central European Summer Time (UTC+2).
- **Geonames ID**: 3091831 (city), 7531571 (administrative division).
- **OpenStreetMap Relation ID**: 2812249.
- **Wikidata Sitelinks**: Available in **43 languages**, including Polish, English, German, and Russian.

### **Notable Features**
- **Marketplace**: The town’s central marketplace is a notable landmark ([panorama image](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Mikołów_Rynek_w_Mikołowie_Marketplace_Panorama.jpg)).
- **Locator Map**: A visual representation of its location is available ([map](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/POL_Tychy_map.svg)).

### **External References and Identifiers**
Mikołów is documented in multiple international databases:
- **GND ID**: 4597913-3
- **VIAF ID**: 142049474
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n94009174
- **National Library of Israel J9U ID**: 987007533094005171
- **MusicBrainz Area ID**: 0c14e1b7-1f4a-4e16-96cc-ffe1035fb817

These identifiers facilitate research and cross-referencing in academic and cultural contexts.

## References

1. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Mikolow;3941225.html)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. [Source](https://www.worlddata.info/europe/poland/timezones.php)
4. GeoNames
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Czech National Authority Database
7. MusicBrainz
8. [Source](https://bdl.stat.gov.pl/api/v1/data/localities/by-unit/012415108021-0941286?var-id=1639616&format=jsonapi)
9. [Source](https://bdl.stat.gov.pl/api/v1/data/localities/by-unit/012415108021-0941286?var-id=1639618&format=jsonapi)
10. [Source](https://bdl.stat.gov.pl/api/v1/data/localities/by-unit/012415108021-0941286?var-id=1639617&format=jsonapi)
11. System for IDs and names of places
12. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)