Żywiec County

Żywiec County, established in 1999, is located in the southern part of the Silesian Voivodeship. Its capital is the town of Żywiec, and the county consists of 15 municipalities, including the urban municipality of Żywiec and 14 rural municipalities. The county covers an area of 1,039.96 km² and is inhabited by approximately 152,500 people. Geographically, the county lies in Lesser Poland, bordering Bielsko and Wadowice counties to the north, Cieszyn County to the west, and Slovakia to the south. The Beskids, part of the Western Carpathians, dominate the landscape, and the main river is the Soła, around which a cascade of dams has been built, forming the Żywiec and Międzybrodzkie Lakes. The county is renowned for its rich architecture, including the Old and New Castles in Żywiec, as well as numerous historic churches, such as the Co-Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Baroque temples in rural municipalities. Historically, the county played a significant role during World War II, when the Battle of Węgierska Górka took place, and many towns suffered under German occupation. The population of the Żywiec region was diverse, and Jews were an important part of social life before the war, engaging in economic activities. Today, Żywiec County, with its beautiful landscapes and mountain trails, also stands out for its numerous cultural events and regional traditions, making it an attractive destination for tourists and residents alike. Key public facilities, such as schools, hospitals, and cultural institutions, provide residents with a good quality of life, and local transport is developing thanks to autonomous carriers. Żywiec County combines a rich history with dynamic development, making it an interesting place both for tourists and those looking to settle in this picturesque region.