Chocznia

Chocznia is a village in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, in the Wadowice County, with a rich history dating back to the 14th century. The name of the locality, originally divided into Dolna (Lower) and Górna (Upper) Chocznia, is associated with the Duchy of Oświęcim, and the first mention of it comes from 1355. The village is home to historic buildings, such as the Church of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist and the "old school" building, as well as two natural monuments: a small-leaved linden and a sycamore maple. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Chocznia experienced development due to the influx of settlers and royal grants, which contributed to the dynamic growth of the local community. Over the centuries, the lives of the inhabitants were shaped by wars, taxes, and peasant uprisings, and in the 18th century, the village came under Austrian rule. After World War I, Chocznia gained land ownership rights and actively participated in the peasant movement. World War II brought tragedies, including displacements and destruction. After the war, the village was rebuilt, developing its infrastructure, including education, which led to the establishment of two primary schools. Chocznia is also characterized by cultural activities, represented by a library branch and a volunteer fire department with a brass band. The locality is conducive to hiking and cycling tourism, and its residents cultivate Lesser Poland's linguistic and cultural traditions, some of which have survived to the present day. The main sources of income for the inhabitants are agriculture and work in nearby Wadowice and Andrychów. In 2008, the village was inhabited by 5,688 people, and the population has been steadily increasing. With its picturesque landscapes and rich history, Chocznia is an interesting place on the map of Lesser Poland.