Keys

The Klucze Commune, located in the northwestern part of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, in the Olkusz County, lies within the picturesque Kraków-Częstochowa Upland. The commune encompasses several villages, including Klucze, Bydlin, Chechło, and Jaroszowiec. It is characterized by a rich natural heritage, being part of one of the largest karst areas in Poland. Here, one can encounter diverse landscapes, including limestone plateaus and valleys, as well as an excellent variety of plant and animal life, including rare species of plants, birds, and bats in numerous caves. Among the tourist attractions, numerous hiking and cycling trails stand out, as well as the Błędowska Desert, a unique destination for hiking. The commune boasts a rich cultural heritage, including historic architectural sites such as the larch St. Mark's Church in Rodaki from 1601, the Baroque church in Chechło from 1807, and the ruins of a knight's castle in Bydlin from 1388, all testifying to the region's history. Demographically, in 2013, the commune had a population of 15,306, with the vast majority belonging to the Roman Catholic Church, although there are also congregations of other denominations, such as the Pentecostal Church and Jehovah's Witnesses. Education in the commune is well-organized, offering kindergartens and primary schools, as well as the School Complex in Klucze. The commune is safe, with a functioning police station subordinate to the District Police Headquarters in Olkusz. Since 1991, Klucze has been a member of the Association of Jura Municipalities and, since 2002, the Lesser Poland Tourist Organization, highlighting its significance in the region.