Jugów

Jugów, located in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, in the municipality of Nowa Ruda, is a village with a rich history dating back to the 14th century. The first mentions of the settlement appear in documents from 1327, and its name derives from the given name Hugo, suggesting the patriotic roots of the community. In the past, Jugów passed through the hands of various families, including the von Wustehubs and the Donyns, with its owners changing multiple times, and the Stillfried family holding a leading position for many centuries. In the 19th century, the village was a hub of intense industrial activity, including coal mining and the production of copper and iron ores. Numerous traces of this activity remain, such as industrial buildings and spoil tips, which are now considered technical monuments. Architecturally, the region is characterized by the Baroque Church of St. Catherine, built between 1718 and 1722, alongside which stands a 19th-century palace complex, as well as numerous wooden crosses and chapels from the 18th and 19th centuries. Jugów also fostered cultural development, with the vigorous activity of the Kłodzko Mountain Society before World War II. Since the 1980s, the village has faced depopulation, but it has gained new popularity as a tourist destination, especially in the winter season, attracting skiers and mountain sports enthusiasts. Interestingly, Jugów has been a meeting place for representatives of various cultures and nations, particularly after World War II, when the village became a settlement for people from different regions. Today, despite its declining population, Jugów retains its historical and architectural character, continuing to attract tourists visiting the Owl Mountains.