Białowieża

Białowieża is a rural commune in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, within Hajnówka County, with its seat located in the town of Białowieża. The commune has a rich history dating back to the pre-war period when it was part of the Prużany County and later the Białowieża County. According to the 1921 National Census, the commune of Białowieża had 6,674 inhabitants, the majority of whom were of Orthodox faith and Polish origin. In 1929, some localities were separated from the commune to form the newly established Hajnówka Commune, but these areas were soon reintegrated into Białowieża. By 1933, the commune was divided into 17 village clusters (gromady). After World War II, the commune's territory was split between Poland and the Soviet Union, which significantly altered its administrative boundaries. The commune was abolished in 1954 but reinstated in 1973. The dominant religion in the region is Orthodoxy, with the Parish of St. Nicholas in Białowieża, though there are also Catholic and Protestant communities. Białowieża Commune is located in close proximity to the Białowieża Forest, one of the last remaining primeval forests in Europe, making it an attractive tourist destination. The commune covers an area of 203.2 km², of which 88% is forested land, highlighting its natural assets. The commune includes village administrations (sołectwa) such as Budy, Czerlonka, Grudki, and Teremiski, as well as other localities like Podcerkwy and Zwierzyniec. Due to its unique location and cultural diversity, Białowieża is a place of significant natural and historical value.