Crayfish

Raczki is a village in Poland, located in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, in the Suwałki County, serving as the seat of the commune of the same name. Formerly a town, Raczki received its town charter before 1558 but lost its town rights in 1870. The village was founded in the early 16th century and was originally called Dowspuda. Its name derives from the brothers Stanisław and Mikołaj Michnowicz Raczkowicz, who received these lands from King Sigismund I the Old. Initially, Dowspuda Raczkowska featured a small town with a church and parish, and from 1682, Raczki held the privilege of organizing markets and fairs. In the 18th century, after the estate was acquired by Count Józef Pac, the village experienced dynamic economic growth, with new buildings and manufactories attracting settlers. Following the defeat of the November Uprising, the village declined, factories were closed, and the town hall was demolished. Raczki was rebuilt after a major fire in 1888 and gained the status of a trading settlement after World War I. In 1921, it had 1,558 inhabitants, predominantly Poles. During World War II, it was under German occupation, suffering significant destruction of its buildings. Notable heritage sites in Raczki include the 16th-century spatial layout with a market square, the Neoclassical-Gothic parish church from 1767–1811, and the parish cemetery. The church, built after the demolition of an earlier temple, was constructed over a long period with numerous stylistic and furnishing changes, preserving important elements of sacred art. Raczki is also known for the beautiful ruins of the Neogothic Pac Palace in Dowspuda. The architecture, history, and cultural heritage, including religious sites, contribute to the uniqueness of this place. An interesting fact is that the church served as a workplace for artists over the years and witnessed many historical events linked to the changing fortunes of Raczki throughout the centuries.