A 12th-century Silesian stronghold, Legnica became the capital of an autonomous principality in 1248. At the Battle of Liegnitz, or Legnica, on April 15, 1241, the Mongols defeated a Polish army under Henry II, prince of Lower Silesia. Legnica received municipal rights in 1252 and soon became an important trade centre, with an economy based on its extensive weaving industry. Long ruled by the Piast dynasty, the town passed to the Habsburgs (1675) and to the Prussians (1741). It suffered extensive damage in World War II.
Traditional industries include metalworking (principally brass), textiles, and food production; metallurgy and copper processing have developed more recently. Legnica is the capital of the local Roman Catholic diocese, established in 1992. The city operates a copper museum, art gallery, theatre, cultural centre, and public library. Pop. (2011) 103,238.