Hrodna, also Grodno, city in Belarus, near Poland. The capital of Hrodna Oblast, it is a port on the Neman (Nyoman) River, a railroad hub, and an industrial center. Manufactures include electrical equipment, fertilizer, construction materials, textiles, and footwear. Among the city's many historical structures is the palace (late 16th century) of King Stephen Báthory of Poland. Founded in the 10th century, Hrodna was part of an independent principality until 1398. It then alternately came under Lithuanian and Polish rule until it was ceded to Russia in 1795. In 1920 Hrodna became part of independent Poland, but it was annexed by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in 1939. From 1941 to 1944, during World War II, the city was held by German troops. Population (1996 estimate) 301,783.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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