Hoczew

Hoczew is a village located in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, known for its rich history and architectural monuments. The first mentions of the settlement date back to the 14th century when it became the property of the Bal family. Over the years, Hoczew changed hands among various owners, including the Fredro family, whose most distinguished representative was Jacek Fredro, the father of the comedy writer Aleksander Fredro. In the 18th century, the Church of St. Anne was built, a Baroque structure with an interesting interior, including altars and a pulpit from the time of the church's construction. Other historical monuments have also been preserved, such as the sandstone tombstone of Matiasz III Bal and 19th-century burial chapels. Hoczew also features a fortified settlement from the 10th–11th centuries, indicating long-term settlement presence. The eastern edges of the village are adorned with the "Rocky Thresholds on the Hoczewka River," a natural monument. Hoczew was also the site of dramatic events during World War II and the fights with the UPA, which took place between 1944 and 1946, resulting in losses among the local population. The village was also a place where Calvinism had its influence in the 16th century. Today, Hoczew combines a rich cultural heritage with beautiful natural values, and the village community includes well-known figures such as Jan Poźniak, a poet associated with the Bieszczady Mountains, and Marek Benewiat, a sculptor. Hoczew is a place that preserves its historical heritage while offering the charm of the Bieszczady landscape.