Żyrzyn

The commune of Żyrzyn, located in the Lublin Voivodeship within Puławy County, boasts a rich history dating back to the times of the Kingdom of Poland, when it was part of the Nowoaleksandryjski County. With its administrative seat in the town of Żyrzyn, the commune is renowned for the Battle of Żyrzyn, which took place on August 8, 1863, and is considered one of the major successes of Polish forces during the January Uprising. Between 1975 and 1998, the commune was administratively part of the Lublin Voivodeship. Over the past two decades, the population of the commune has decreased from 6,599 people in 2004 to 6,451 in 2017. The Mazovian village is also a place of exceptional biodiversity. The commune is home to protected areas such as the Piskory Nature Reserve and Natura 2000 sites, highlighting the region's natural value. The S17 expressway runs through the commune, providing convenient connections to larger cities like Warsaw and Lublin. Before World War II, Żyrzyn had a military airport, which held strategic importance for the region. The commune covers an area of 128.73 km², of which 56% is agricultural land and 35% is forest, making it a significant agricultural area in the county. The commune consists of 14 village councils, including Bałtów, Borysów, Osiny, and Żerdź, along with additional settlements without village council status. It borders the communes of Abramów, Baranów, Końskowola, Kurów, Puławy, Ryki, and Ułęż, enriching its cultural and neighborly context. Żyrzyn is a place that blends history, nature, and everyday life, serving as an important part of the Lublin Voivodeship.