Forest

Lesica (German: Freiwalde) is an old linear village located in the Kłodzko County of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, situated in the Jelonik Valley within the Bystrzyckie Mountains. It lies at an altitude of 540–620 meters above sea level, approximately 5 km west of Międzylesie. The village features a loose arrangement of buildings stretched over a length of 2.4 km and has an agricultural character, surrounded by cultivated fields and semi-wild meadows. Several buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries have been preserved in Lesica, including the 17th-century Church of St. Martin, the ruins of a free sołectwo (a type of medieval estate), and sculptures from the local Lesica workshop. In the 18th century, the village was associated with weaving and agriculture, and by the end of that century, it had developed a robust socio-economic structure that included a mill, a school, and weaving workshops. The history of Lesica dates back to the 18th century BC, and the village itself was established in the 16th century as a result of border disputes. In the 19th century, Lesica was a well-known tourist destination, attracting pilgrims to its church and serving as a border crossing point. After World War II, the village became depopulated despite the settlement of repatriates. Over the following decades until 1978, the number of farms significantly decreased. Today, two tourist trails pass through Lesica: a yellow trail from Międzylesie to Przełęcz Spalona and a green trail running along the border with the Śnieżnik Massif. Notable sites to visit include the Church of St. Martin with 19th-century polychromes, the ruins of the sołectwo, a stone statue of the Holy Trinity, and a memorial cross with an inscription from 1628 commemorating a tragic event. Lesica is a place rich in history, architecture, and traditions, captivating visitors with its charm and cultural heritage.