Chodel

Chodel, formerly the Ratoszyn commune, is a picturesque rural municipality located in the Lublin Voivodeship, within the Opole County. Established on January 13, 1870, through the transformation of the Ratoszyn commune, it acquired its current name after the incorporation of Chodel, which had lost its town status. The municipality covers a considerable area of 108.21 km², 80% of which is agricultural land and 15% is forested. In 2004, Chodel was home to 6,782 residents, but by the end of 2017, this number had decreased to 6,658. Chodel has a rich history tied to the development of the region and its agricultural culture. For many years, the municipality has been the site of numerous events that have become part of the history of the Kingdom of Poland. In 1929, Kożuchówka, a mill settlement from the Godów commune, was incorporated into Chodel. The area is rich in rural traditions and culture, and the local community preserves customs and practices related to agriculture. The municipality includes village administrations (sołectwa) such as Adelina, Antonówka, Chodel, and Ratoszyn, as well as Kawęczyn, which does not have the status of a village administration. Chodel also borders the following administrative units: Bełżyce, Borzechów, Opole Lubelskie, Poniatowa, and Urzędów. Culturally, the Chodel commune hosts various local initiatives and events that bring residents together and promote the region's cultural heritage. The architecture of the municipality maintains a traditional, rural character, with wooden houses and historical monuments that reflect its historical context. Chodel is a place full of traditions and beautiful landscapes that attract nature and history enthusiasts. An interesting fact is that the municipality constitutes 13.46% of the area of Opole County, which may indicate its significance in the region. Chodel is not only a place to live but also a space that nurtures the rich traditions, history, and culture of the Lublin countryside.