city, Śląskie województwo (province), southern Poland. It lies in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains.

Incorporated in 1951, the city existed previously as two separate towns on either side of the Biała River. Bielsko originated as a 13th-century settlement around a stronghold and developed during the 16th century through its textile industry. It received town rights in the 18th century, as did Biała. The city is now a major industrial centre and tourist resort amid picturesque surroundings. It has a rail line and road connections to Kraków and the Czech Republic. Pop. (2002) 178,028.