Boguszów-Gorce

Boguszów-Gorce is a town located in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, within the Wałbrzych County. Established in 1973 through the merger of four settlements—Boguszów, Gorce, Kuźnice Świdnickie, and Stary Lesieniec—it is the largest town in the county with a population of 14,349 (as of 2023). The town's history is deeply tied to coal and barite mining, which spanned nearly 500 years and ended in the 1990s. Today, the local economy is primarily service-based, though many residents commute for work outside the town. Boguszów-Gorce is well-connected by a railway station and numerous bus routes, facilitating travel to Wałbrzych and other nearby areas. The town boasts rich architectural heritage, including historic landmarks such as the Gothic-Baroque Holy Trinity Church from 1535, an 18th-century Baroque town hall, and buildings from various eras, among them the ruins of an 18th-century former Evangelical church. The town is also home to several churches representing different religious traditions, including Polish Catholic and Pentecostal communities. Local culture thrives through sports clubs like Górnik Boguszów-Gorce and SKF "Sudety Petanque," as well as events such as the "Sudecka Setka" ultramarathon. Recreational opportunities are provided by the "Góra Dzikowiec" Sports and Recreation Center, which features a ski lift. An interesting fact is that Boguszów-Gorce lies on the border of the Wałbrzyskie and Kamienne Mountains, making it an attractive destination for hiking and mountain tourism. The town also maintains international partnerships, including with Dobrá Ves (Slovakia) and Piennes (France). Despite historical demographic challenges, Boguszów-Gorce continues to develop and attract interest thanks to its unique architectural, cultural, and natural assets.