Łapanów

The municipality of Łapanów, located in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship within Bochnia County, is characterized by its rich natural heritage and picturesque landscapes. Its territory includes various forms of nature protection, such as the Zachodnie Pogórze Wiśnickie Landscape Protected Area and the Natura 2000 site PLH120089 Tarnawka. The municipality is home to numerous natural monuments, including pedunculate oaks, European larches, and small-leaved lindens, which are valuable elements of the local landscape and testify to the region's rich biodiversity. Notable features also include distinctive sandstone rock formations, such as the Turtle Rock (Kamień Żółw) in Tarnawa, which serve as interesting tourist attractions. Historically, Łapanów was an important location in the past, as reflected in its architecture, including historic buildings, some of which date back to earlier eras. The municipality is inhabited by approximately 8,139 people (as of 2018) and consists of numerous villages, such as Łapanów, Wieruszyce, Chrostowa, and Tarnawa, forming a diverse local community. The presence of agricultural (63%) and forested (27%) areas highlights the agrarian character of the municipality, where farming plays a significant role in the daily lives of its residents. With a rich history dating back to pre-modern times, Łapanów boasts many interesting facts and local traditions that attract tourists and history researchers. The municipality borders towns such as Bochnia, Gdów, Jodłownik, and Limanowa, making it an important point on the regional map. The municipal website offers a map portal that facilitates exploration of the natural and cultural aspects of this scenic area. Additionally, in 2014, the demographics of the municipality were presented in the form of an age pyramid, allowing for analysis of changes in the age structure of residents over the years and aiding in planning the future development of the municipality.