Świerźno

Świerzno is a rural commune in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, within Kamień County, with its administrative seat located in the village of Świerzno. In 2009, the commune had a population of 4,255 and covered an area of 140.13 km², which constitutes 13.9% of the county's total area. The commune has a predominantly agricultural character, with forests covering 30% of its territory. The Baltic Sea coast is located nearby, just 10 km away, which supports tourism. The commune lies on the Gryfice Plain and the Trzebiatów Coast, and is connected by provincial roads to nearby towns such as Kamień Pomorski and Gryfice. A significant historical event for the commune was the construction of a railway line to Gostyniec in 1906, which was unfortunately closed down in 1945. The Świerzno commune boasts numerous historical monuments, the most important of which is the Holy Trinity parish church, built in 1681 with subsequent renovations. The church features a half-timbered structure and a preserved cemetery with tombstones dating back to the late 19th century. Additionally, an important landmark is the hunting manor built between 1718 and 1730 on the initiative of Count Bogusław Bodo Flemming. The manor, distinguished by its half-timbered architecture, features decorative paintings in the ballroom depicting various elements of nature and scenes from a costume ball. The entire complex is surrounded by a classic French garden, serving as an example of 18th-century palace planning art in Western Pomerania. It is worth emphasizing that the Świerzno commune, with its architectural, cultural, and historical diversity, forms a dynamic social community where cultural events are organized, and residents cherish local traditions. The commune comprises 9 auxiliary units, including villages such as Chomino, Ciesław, and Gostyń, as well as settlements like Będzieszewo and Kępica. The commune's administrative efforts in budgetary matters reflect financial responsibility, with public debt amounting to 6.5 million złoty at the end of 2016. Despite the lack of a post office, the commune functions successfully as a local community, with active residents and a rich cultural heritage, making Świerzno an important point on the regional map.