Gierałtowice

Gierałtowice is a sołectwo (administrative village unit) in the Silesian Voivodeship, located in the western part of the Upper Silesian Industrial Region, approximately 7 km southeast of Gliwice. The village has a rich history dating back to the late 13th century, with the first recorded mention in 1290. Gierałtowice was a knightly estate and passed through the hands of numerous owners, including the Gierałtowski family and the von Raczek family, who built a manor house in the village. In the early 20th century, Gierałtowice was an important center of Polish organizations and patriotic activities, particularly during the Silesian plebiscite, where the majority of residents voted to join Poland. In 1976, a historic church was relocated to Rybnik, and in 2011, a modern Health and Social Welfare Center was built, notable for its contemporary architecture. Gierałtowice also has a local sports club – Ludowy Klub Sportowy 35 Gierałtowice, founded in 1935, which currently competes in the regional league. The village is accessible via voivodeship road 921 and has inactive railway lines. Voting patterns in elections and plebiscites, as well as the presence of Polish organizations, reflect the strong sense of national identity among the residents. Additionally, the terrain of Gierałtowice, shaped by coal mining, contributes to the unique character of the area.