Kędzierzyn-Koźle

Infobox Settlement
name = Kędzierzyn-Koźle

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image_shield = POL Kędzierzyn Koźle COA.svg
pushpin_

pushpin_label_position = bottom
subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = POL
subdivision_type1 = Voivodeship
subdivision_name1 = Opole
subdivision_type2 = County
subdivision_name2 = Kędzierzyn-Koźle County
subdivision_type3 = Gmina
subdivision_name3 = Kędzierzyn-Koźle (urban gmina)
leader_title = Mayor
leader_name = Wiesław Fąfara
area_total_km2 = 123.42
population_as_of = 2007
population_total = 64219
population_density_km2 = auto
timezone = CET
utc_offset = +1
timezone_DST = CEST
utc_offset_DST = +2
latd = 50 | latm = 21 | lats = | latNS = N | longd = 18 | longm = 12 | longs = | longEW = E
elevation_m = 180
postal_code_type = Postal code
postal_code = 47-200, 47-220, 47-232
blank_name = Car plates
blank_info = OK
website = http://www.kedzierzynkozle.pl

Kędzierzyn-Koźle [IPA-pl|k|e|n|'|dź|e|ż|y|n|-|'|k|o|ź|l|e] ( _de. Kandrzin-Cosel, Heydebreck) is a city in southwestern Poland, situated in Opole Voivodeship. It is the capital of Kędzierzyn-Koźle County. The population numbers 64,219 (as of 2007). It was formed in 1975 by combining the municipalities of Kędzierzyn, Koźle, Sławięcice ( Slawentziz in German) and Kłodnica (Koldnitz in German). It is a major rail hub, serving western outskirts of the Upper Silesian Metropolitan Union.

Until 1999, there was a branch line connecting Kędzierzyn Koźle with Strzelce Opolskie. It closed as part of PKP's cost-cutting measures, although the rail track still (2006) remains. Kedzierzyn has rail connections with all major cities of Poland.

Town name

The Koźle part of the name comes from a word meaning "young goat" or just "goat," suggesting that it may have originally been a village of goatherds. Also, the flag and coat of arms of Kedzierzyn-Kozle County shows three goats.

History

Koźle was incorporated as a town in 1281. In 1807, as part of Prussia, it was besieged by Napoleon's Army. Kędzierzyn was founded as a village in the 13th century, and remained one until 1951.

Sports

* Mostostal-Azoty Kędzierzyn-Koźle - men's volleyball team playing in Polish Volleyball League (Polska Liga Siatkówki, PLS): 6th place in season 2003/2004.
* Chemik Kędzierzyn-Koźle - a soccer team, playing in lower levels of Polish league.

External links

* [http://www.kedzierzynkozle.pl/ Official Homepage in Polish]
* [http://www.klodnica.info/ Kłodnica district Homepage]