Gdow

The Gdów Municipality, located in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship within the Wieliczka County, covers an area of 108.72 km², predominantly comprising agricultural land (75.54%) and forested areas (9.82%). The municipality accounts for 25.33% of the county's total area and includes parts of the Wieliczka Foothills and the Wiśnickie Foothills, separated by the valley of the Raba River. Major provincial roads, numbered 966 and 967, run through the area, ensuring excellent transport connections. Gdów has a long history, with the first mention of the settlement dating back to 1272, when it belonged to the royal court. The municipality consists of numerous villages, such as Bilczyce, Niegowić, Zręczyce, and Hucisko. Culturally, Gdów is associated with many renowned historical figures, including Ludwik Solski, Jan Henryk Dąbrowski, Andrzej Zieliński, Wincenty Witos, and Michał Grażyński. The municipality boasts an extensive river network, with the longest being the Raba River, which marks the eastern boundaries of the region. Other significant watercourses include the Stradomka and the Gnojny Stream. The area also features numerous ponds, particularly in Marszowice and Nieznanowice. With its charming landscapes and rich flora and fauna, the municipality is attractive to tourists and nature enthusiasts. Cultural events held in Gdów draw from the region's rich traditions, enriching the lives of the local community.