Bukowno

Bukowno is a town in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, located in the western part of the region, between Kraków and Katowice. Originally known as a village of the Kraków diocese, it was granted town rights in 1962, though its history dates back to the 15th century. The town lies on the border of the Silesian and Kraków-Częstochowa Uplands, with a significant portion of its area covered by forests (73%). Bukowno serves as an important transportation hub, featuring a double-track railway line running through the town and proximity to National Road 94. The Mining and Metallurgical Plant located here underscores the town's industrial character. Bukowno offers a rich educational infrastructure, including School Complex No. 1 and No. 2, as well as sports and recreational facilities such as the MOSiR Stadium and the sports club Bolesław Bukowno. The town is also home to various religious communities, including Roman Catholic, Polish Catholic, and Protestant congregations, which enrich its cultural life. A notable landmark is the Saint Barbara Church, built in 1870, which has faced challenges over the years due to mining activities. Despite a difficult history marked by partitions and administrative changes, Bukowno has developed strong social ties and become part of the Zagłębie Dąbrowskie region. The town cooperates with partner cities such as Rudňany in Slovakia and Čapljina in Bosnia and Herzegovina. An interesting local feature is the "Leśny Dwór" reservoir, created before 1939, which is a popular recreational spot for residents. According to data from the Central Statistical Office (GUS) at the end of 2019, Bukowno had a population of 10,106, making it a small but dynamically developing center. Notable residents include Stanisław Pierzynka, a labor movement activist, and Marek Wierzbicki, a footballer.