Gryfice

The Gryfice Commune, located in the northern part of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, within Gryfice County, is the largest commune in the region both in terms of population and area. The seat of the commune is the town of Gryfice, which is home to approximately 24,000 residents, accounting for 39.2% of the entire county's population. The commune lies within the picturesque Gryfice Plain and is characterized by diverse terrain and natural richness, including the Rega River, popular among kayakers, as well as forested and agricultural areas. The region is dominated by fresh coniferous habitats, and the forest cover rate is 21.9%, which is below the voivodeship average. Gryfice is a place with a rich history, featuring numerous monuments, including Gothic churches, medieval towers, and palace ruins. The narrow-gauge railway line and the Permanent Exhibition of Pomeranian Narrow-Gauge Railways in Gryfice are unique tourist attractions that draw enthusiasts of technical history. Key landmarks include the Gothic St. Mary's Church from the 13th and 15th centuries, the palace in Rybokarty, and the Neo-Romanesque church in Ościęcin from 1842. Culture in the commune thrives through various institutions, such as the Municipal Public Library, which has branches in several locations. The residents of the commune actively engage in socio-cultural life, and since 1990, a local government has been operating, headed by a mayor. Gryfice is also a hub for international cooperation, maintaining partnerships with Gryfów Śląski, Güstrow, and Meldorf. An interesting fact is that the commune was established after the administrative reform in 1999, having previously been part of the Szczecin Voivodeship. Thus, the Gryfice Commune is a place with a rich historical and cultural heritage, combining dynamic development with the preservation of local traditions.