Błaszki

Błaszki is an urban-rural municipality located in the Łódź Voivodeship, within the Sieradz County. Its administrative seat, Błaszki (formerly known as Borysławice), serves as the local administrative center. The history of the municipality dates back centuries, with a notable administrative transformation when it was part of the Sieradz Voivodeship between 1975 and 1998. The municipality covers an area of 201.63 km², dominated by agricultural land (84%) and forests (9%). Despite a decline in population from 15,201 in 2004 to 14,658 in 2017, Błaszki remains an important hub in the region. The municipal government is responsible for the development of the local community, with mayoral terms dating back to 2002. Piotr Świderski, who served as mayor from 2010 to 2014 and again from 2018 to the present, is particularly noteworthy. The area is rich in natural beauty, including the Wrząca Nature Reserve, which protects unique beech forest ecosystems. Błaszki is characterized by a diverse demographic and cultural structure, with numerous village administrations (sołectwa) such as Adamki, Bukowina, and Gorzałów. It is also a region steeped in local traditions and customs that shape the community's identity. In Błaszki and nearby villages like Brzozowiec and Kąśnie, one can find diverse architectural forms reflecting historical heritage and local building styles. The municipality borders areas such as Brąszewice, Brzeziny, and Warta, fostering cultural exchange and interregional cooperation.