Bełchatów

The Bełchatów Commune, located in the Łódź Voivodeship within the Bełchatów County, is a rural municipality that surrounds the city of Bełchatów, which is a separate urban entity. The commune consists of 81 localities organized into 41 village councils (sołectwa), and covers an area of 180.37 km² with a population of approximately 9,600 residents. Although the area is diverse in terms of land use—with 53% allocated to agricultural land and 35% to forests—it is rich in architectural and social elements that reflect local culture. Notably, the commune boasts a well-developed transportation infrastructure, with major national and regional roads ensuring accessibility to surrounding areas. It also has a strong tradition of community cooperation in safety matters, supported by active volunteer fire departments (Ochotnicza Straż Pożarna). In Bełchatów itself, the historical significance of the region is evident, dating back to before the city was granted municipal rights in 1993. Although the commune is primarily agricultural, its connection to the city and neighboring municipalities creates a rich social and cultural fabric, highlighted by local events and festivals. An interesting fact is that the commune’s proximity to one of Poland’s largest open-pit lignite mines influences the local job market and infrastructure development. The history of the commune and its residents remains vibrant, making the Bełchatów region an area where everyone can find something of interest.