Haczów

Haczów is a village in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, within Brzozów County, with a rich history dating back to 1352, when Casimir III the Great granted it its town charter. From 1340 to 1772, the village belonged to the Sanok Land and later to Galicia. Haczów was a significant place, having a Roman Catholic parish as early as 1388. Architecturally, it is distinguished by the wooden Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, considered the largest Gothic wooden church in Europe, with rich polychrome paintings from 1494. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2003. The village is also characterized by preserved cultural elements, including the activities of the Haczów Association and unique folk traditions, cultivated in the performance "Haczów Wedding." An interesting fact is the controversial attempt by the Germans to Germanize the inhabitants during World War II, which resulted in the residents refusing to accept the new nationality. Haczów survived numerous destructions, including at the hands of the Tatars in 1624 and cholera epidemics. In the 20th century, Haczów was involved in patriotic activities, forming a company fighting for Poland's independence. Today, the village is known for cultivating local traditions and sports, represented by the football club LKS Haczów, which competes at the A-class level. Haczów is also the birthplace of many significant historical and social figures, including activists from the times of the January Uprising and founders of "Solidarity."