Gościno

Gościno, formerly known as Groß Jestin, is a town in northwestern Poland, located in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. It was established as a medieval village, with a history dating back to the 12th century when it was owned by the city council of Kołobrzeg. The cultural value of Gościno is reflected in its preserved pre-war buildings, including the neo-Gothic parish church of St. Andrew Bobola from 1869, which houses a valuable baptismal font from the 12th/13th century. The town's infrastructure includes various facilities such as a Police station, Volunteer Fire Department (OSP), shops, and catering services, as well as educational institutions, including a School Complex with a kindergarten and primary school. The Olimp Sports Club is actively involved in the community, with its football team competing in the fourth league. Gościno hosts recurring cultural events, such as the "Days of Gościno," featuring fairs and exhibitions. In 1986, the town gained recognition for its innovative technological solutions by launching a model rural telephone exchange. The residents of Gościno are associated with various religious communities, primarily Roman Catholic and Jehovah's Witnesses. Interestingly, Gościno was once the seat of local authorities, and on January 1, 2011, it officially obtained town status. The presence of Lake Gościno and the Gościnka stream highlights the region's natural beauty, while its proximity to Kołobrzeg adds to its appeal. Gościno is a place where history intertwines with modernity, and the local community actively preserves its traditions and values.