Cisiec

Cisiec is a picturesque village in the Silesian Voivodeship, located in the valley of the Soła River, within the municipality of Węgierska Górka. Its history dates back to the 15th century when it was settled by wandering shepherds from Wallachia. The first mentions of the village appeared in the 16th century when the population numbered 311. Documents from 1675 are particularly interesting, indicating the rearing of 373 sheep, with residents required to pay a special levy for grazing sheep on pastures. In the 18th century, Cisiec came under the rule of Franciszek Myszkowski, and regulations concerning forest protection were tightened. The village experienced several dramatic events, including cholera epidemics and catastrophic floods in 1925, 1958, and 1959. In the 1970s, the residents performed a heroic feat by building the Church of St. Maximilian Kolbe in just one day, which became a symbol of local determination in the face of the then authorities. Cisiec also boasts two historic chapels—a Baroque one from the 18th century and a chapel with a statue of Jesus of Nazareth from 1850. Currently, the village has a population of 3,246, with buildings concentrated along two parallel roads. Cisiec is also known for the Imperial Route, which in the 18th century connected Kraków with Vienna and now serves as an important tourist trail. Contemporary figures associated with Cisiec include journalist Jan Jarco, economists Krzysztof Dzierżawski and Janusz Dzierżawski, as well as social activist Mariusz Dzierżawski. The village's name derives from a nearby yew grove, adding to its unique charm.