Goniądz

Goniądz is an urban-rural municipality located in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, within the Mońki County, with its administrative seat in the town of Goniądz. Between 1975 and 1998, the Goniądz Municipality was part of the Łomża Voivodeship. It covers an area of 376.68 km², of which 35% is agricultural land and 30% is forested, making the region rich in natural beauty. According to data from June 2004, the municipality had a population of 5,253. Historical demographic records show that in 1921, the area was inhabited by 5,323 people, with the Roman Catholic community being the dominant religious group. An important aspect of Goniądz is its social and ethnic structure, which in the past was diverse, including Poles, Belarusians, Jews, and people of other nationalities. The Goniądz Municipality comprises 33 villages and 6 estates, including localities such as Białosuknia, Budne, Osowiec, and Wólka Piaseczna. The municipality is surrounded by other communes, such as Bargłów Kościelny, Grajewo, and Mońki, which fosters cooperation and cultural exchange. Goniądz as a locality has rich traditions and tourism potential, thanks to its picturesque landscapes and local culture. Interestingly, the village of Osowiec-Twierdza is home to a 19th-century fortress, which was an important defensive point and now serves as a tourist attraction, drawing enthusiasts of history and fortress architecture. With its rich cultural and natural heritage, the Goniądz Municipality is a place of significant regional and historical importance, offering both residents and visitors numerous opportunities to explore local customs, traditions, and architecture.