Chrzelice

Chrzelice is a village located in the Opole Voivodeship, within Prudnik County, with a history dating back to the 13th century. In medieval times, it was owned by the Knights Templar and played a significant strategic role, especially during the Hussite Wars. The village has retained its historic spatial layout and features monuments such as a chapel-bell tower from 1774 and a 13th-century castle complex surrounded by a moat. Chrzelice is also an important cultural center, home to numerous associations, including the Rural Housewives' Circle and the People's Sports Club. The villagers, who speak the Prudnik dialect, blend German and Polish traditions, reflecting their cultural diversity. The village has a rich sporting tradition, with a unique unicycling section that was the first in the world to play handball on unicycles. For tourism, Chrzelice offers agritourism and cycling routes, including the Kolarski Rajd Dookoła Ziemi Bialskiej (Cycling Rally Around the Biała Land). The village is also known for organizing the Chrzelice Days festival, held since 2006 to celebrate its 700th anniversary. With its unique traditions, architecture, and social activities, Chrzelice is an important cultural element of the Upper Silesia region.