Tarnów, city, southeastern Poland, capital of Tarnów Province, on the Biala River, near its confluence with the Dunajec River. Industries include the manufacture of flour, lumber, chemicals, machinery, and glass. The principal edifices are a 15th-century cathedral, the 14th-century town hall, and a diocesan museum. Founded in the 12th century, Tarnów was under Austrian rule from 1772 to 1919, except for a brief period during World War I, when it was taken by Russian troops. During World War II, Tarnów was held by German forces from 1939 to the beginning of 1945. Population (1997 estimate) 122,300.
