Battle of Pyzdry was fought nearby, in which Polish insurgents led by Taczanowski defeated Russian troops. In 1867, as punishment for the January Uprising, Russians reduced Pyzdry to the status of a village. In 1918 Poland regained independence and control of Pyzdry, and in 1919 town rights were restored. Following the joint German-Soviet invasion of Poland, which started World War II in September 1939, the town was occupied by Germany until 1945. Sights The town has several points of interest: historic urban center, which was shaped in the 14th century, parish church (built in mid-14th century, remodelled in the 15th century and in 1865–1870), Franciscan abbey (14th century), Baroque monastery (1690), located on the Warta river, ruins of a castle and defensive wall (early 14th century), houses from 18th and 19th centuries, Notable people Among people born here are Mikołaj of Pyzdry (rector of Jagiellonian University), writer Stefan Otwinowski and film director Ewa Petelska. References Cities and towns in Greater Poland Voivodeship Gmina Pyzdry Poznań Voivodeship (1921–1939)