Suchowola is considered to be the geographical centre of Europe. Important tourist routes intersect here. Suchowola was founded as a Royal village in the 16th c. and in 1777 it received municipal rights. The Biebrzanski National Park is the major attraction of the region- comprising over 30% of the area. The local people are known for their care of the environment, and the town of Suchowola has won prizes in ecological competitions. It is a place of numerous pilgrimages because the priest Jerzy Popieluszko (soon to be beatified) was born here. The Papal Cross and Arch (from Pope John Paul II's 1990 visit) is now the symbolic center of Suchowola. The cross is located at the highest point of the town, representing the centrality of the Catholic faith in Poland's history and heritage.