The town lies on the Kaczawa River, approximately 13 kilometres (8 mi) south of Złotoryja and 81 kilometres (50 mi) west of the regional capital Wrocław.

It was initially a Polish stronghold, possibly besieged during the first Mongol invasion of Poland in 1241.

[2] It was granted town rights by Duke Bolko I the Strict in 1296,[2] when it was part of the Duchy of Jawor within fragmented Piast-ruled Poland.

[2] The local church was taken by Protestants during the Reformation and then restored to the Catholics in 1637.

[2] During the Thirty Years' War, in 1640, it was the site of a Swedish victory against the Austrians.