Bełżec

The commune of Bełżec, located in the Lublin Voivodeship within Tomaszów County, is the smallest rural commune in the region by area. Its administrative seat is in Bełżec, situated 8 km from Tomaszów Lubelski and 16 km from the border crossing in Hrebenne. The commune features diverse topography, with the highest elevation reaching 327.6 meters above sea level. The area is a historical mosaic of the Lublin region and Galicia, which in the past belonged to different districts. The first collective commune of Bełżec was established in 1934, but during World War II it was divided, and after the war, it returned to its pre-war borders with changes in the structure of its hamlets. The commune was abolished in 1954 due to administrative reforms, and after years of absence, it was reactivated on January 1, 1992, within altered boundaries, incorporating villages from neighboring communes. In 2007, the commune acquired its current borders by including the village councils of Brzeziny and Żyłka. The commune covers an area of 33.52 km², of which 56% is agricultural land and 34% is forested. It has a population of approximately 3,440 residents and consists of the following village councils: Bełżec, Brzeziny, Chyże, Szalenik-Kolonia, and Żyłka. Bełżec also has an interesting architectural history; although not known for monumental structures, the region is characterized by rural architecture and traditional farm buildings. Culturally, the commune preserves local traditions and folklore, which influence community life. Thanks to its location, the commune is also a small point on the tourist map, offering proximity to nature and the picturesque landscapes of the Roztocze region.