Chełmce

Chełmce is a village in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, in the Kielce County, known for its picturesque green cycling path to Strawczyn and a rich history associated with noble families. In the 16th century, the village was owned by Hieronim Odrowąż, later passed into the hands of the Tarło family, and was also the parish seat of Henryk Sienkiewicz, where his family's graves are located. The local church of St. Mary Magdalene and St. Nicholas, built in the early Baroque style between 1620 and 1665, features remarkable architecture with a three-bay nave and presbytery. The church, founded by Lublin Voivode Jan Tarło, and the parish cemetery from the first half of the 19th century are listed in the register of historical monuments. Another important site is the knights' tower built around 1540, considered one of the oldest in the region. Initially owned by Jakub Sancygniowski, it passed through various noble hands over the centuries until it was acquired by Piotr Aleksander Tarło in 1619. The tower served residential and hunting purposes, but its history is marked by destruction and subsequent renovations. Over the years, the building fell into disrepair, and its eventual rescue was thanks to the efforts of the Bors family of architects, who partially restored its former glory in 1991. The tower's architecture reflects late medieval defensive traditions, with a two-story structure including a basement, and the interior retains original fragmentary layouts with a barrel-vaulted ceiling. Although the site is not open to visitors, it is visible from the outside, making it a local attraction. Chełmce is a place where history intertwines with architecture, culture, and local traditions, making it an interesting point of interest in the Świętokrzyskie Mountains region.