Lublin

Lublin is the largest city of Eastern Poland, and one of the most important economic, academic and cultural centres of the EU's eastern border. Located where trade routes cross and where cultures converge, Lublin has long been a city of pluralism, exchange and dialogue: once a seminal spot for Western outreach to the East and since 2004 the European Union border with Belarus and Ukraine, today it is a strategic bridge into an eastward expanding Europe, a vibrant meeting place for international visitors and students.

The city boasts a long history. In 1317 Lublin was granted city rights and throughout the centuries it has played a prominent role as a commercial town, as a seat of political and juridical power, and as a centre of learning, spirituality, publishing and education. The greatest symbol of mingling of cultures are Russo-Byzantine frescoes covering the interior of the Gothic Holy Trinity Chapel at the Lublin Castle – one of the most valuable medieval monuments of art in Europe, marked with European Heritage Label. Throughout its 700 years history, Lublin oftentimes served as the pier, or a meeting point of the East and West. The city was located on an important trade route between the Black Sea and Baltic Sea and the royal route from Vilnius to Cracow.

Today Lublin is a dynamically growing  investment centre and the administrative capital for the Lublin Region. The city is inhabited by 365 000 people and the population of metropolitan area is more than 700,000 people. Due to its strategic location, dynamically developing infrastructure and access to young and well-educated employees, is one of the most attractive investment destinations in Poland.  Building social capital, taking care of the quality of the residents’ life and endorsing their creativity is another key factor of the city success.  

For years, Lublin has been renowned for its vibrant cultural life. The city is the hub of bustling cultural life, with different events held annually, and attracting a wide audience. The Night of Culture, "Codes" Festival of Traditional and Avantgarde Music, "Theatre Confrontations", the International Dance Theatre Festival, the 'Magicians' Carnival, the Jagiellonian Fair, or the "East of Culture" - Different Sounds Art'n'Music Festival to name but a few are Lublin's flagship festive events whose prestige has been constantly growing.

Lublin is one of the largest academic centers in Poland, hosting 9 higher education institutions with 65,000 students. High quality and wide range of programs attracts as much as 7000 foreign students – the highest rank in Poland. It underlines the city's openness and cosmopolitan character and attracts foreign investors.

The historical and educational resources of Lublin, as well as its openness and hospitality, attract both young people who wish to develop intellectually and artists searching for inspiration. Lublin’s heritage creates a magical climate which is a source of diverse experiences and inspiration.