Chełmiec

Chełmiec, a village in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, is situated in the Sądecka Basin on the left bank of the Dunajec River. This locality boasts a rich history dating back to 1257, when it was granted to Bolesław V the Chaste and his wife Kinga. In the 16th century, it became the heritage of the Poor Clares monastery in Stary Sącz. Chełmiec developed as a result of various historical events, including the First Partition of Poland, when it came under Austrian rule, and German colonization in the 19th century, which led to the creation of two separate settlements: Polish Chełmiec and German Chełmiec. Between 1934 and 1953, these two parts merged into a single village, and in 1953, its name was officially changed to Chełmiec. The village also holds contemporary significance, actively developing sports infrastructure, including an indoor swimming pool, a sports hall, and a skatepark, as well as planning the construction of an astronomical observatory and a cultural and recreational center. Chełmiec is also home to numerous companies, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. Despite efforts to obtain town status, which were repeatedly postponed, Chełmiec ultimately did not receive city rights. Interestingly, a new cultural center with an amphitheater is set to be built on the site of the ruined Wittig manor, which could further enrich the cultural offerings of the village. With its complex history, sports architecture, and development plans, Chełmiec represents an interesting example of a Polish village undergoing dynamic changes.