Wieluń has a long and rich history. In the past, it used to be an important urban trade centre of the Polish Kingdom. Several Polish kings and notables visited the town, but following the catastrophic Swedish invasion (1655–1660), Wieluń declined and never regained its status. In September 1939, during the Invasion of Poland, it was heavily bombed by the Luftwaffe. The Bombing of Wieluń is considered to be the first World War II bombing in Europe. It killed at least 127 civilians, injured hundreds more and destroyed the majority of the town.