Zielona Góra, city in western Poland, capital of Zielona Góra Province. Located near the Odra River in Poland's major grape-growing region, Zielona Góra is the country's main wine producer. It is also an industrial center producing wool, carpets, weaving machinery, railroad cars, electronics, construction materials, furniture, and liquors. The city is a transportation hub served by several major rail lines, including the line that runs between Kraków and Berlin. The School of Engineering in Zielona Góra was founded in 1965. The city has several historic monuments, including a medieval town hall, remnants of the old town walls and gates, and a church dating from the 13th century. Known for centuries as a cultural center, the city has a theater, a regional history museum, and a symphonic orchestra. An annual grape harvest festival is held in the city.
Zielona Góra was founded in the 13th century by Polish dukes and passed to the Czechs in the 14th century. From 1411 to the end of World War II (1939-1945) it was under German control and was called Grünburg. The postwar Potsdam Conference returned Zielona Góra to Poland. Population (1996 estimate) 117,400.
