Gorlice County

Gorlice County, located in Lesser Poland, was established in 1999 as part of the administrative reform, with the town of Gorlice serving as its seat. The county includes the urban municipality of Gorlice, the urban-rural municipalities of Biecz and Bobowa, and the rural municipalities of Gorlice, Lipinki, Łużna, Moszczenica, Ropa, Sękowa, and Uście Gorlickie. Three towns in the county have town privileges: Biecz, Bobowa, and Gorlice. The county is characterized by its architectural richness, with numerous monuments, including Catholic and Greek Catholic churches, reflecting the cultural diversity of the region. There are 40 Roman Catholic parishes, 12 Greek Catholic parishes, and various other religious communities, including Protestant and Buddhist ones. Gorlice County also had border crossings with Slovakia, which were abolished in 2007 after both countries joined the Schengen Area. The history of the region is marked by events related to the fights with the UPA (Ukrainian Insurgent Army). In 1945, UPA units operated in the county, carrying out terrorist activities and mobilizing the local Lemko population. As a result of fierce battles and Operation Vistula, the UPA was weakened, and many of its members were forced to flee. Modern Gorlice County has a well-developed public security system, including the County Police Headquarters, fire services, and a medical rescue system. In the field of education, the county manages nine secondary schools and two educational care centers, including agricultural schools. At the end of 2019, the county had a population of 108,886, and according to 2020 data, the population was 108,778. Interestingly, Gorlice County is home to a Buddhist Meditation Center, showcasing the diversity of religious and cultural traditions in the region.