Lelis

The municipality of Lelis, located in the Masovian Voivodeship in the Ostrołęka County, is a rural commune with its seat in the village of Lelis. It covers an area of 196.39 km² and had a population of 9,654 as of January 1, 2019. Characterized by its predominantly agricultural nature, the area specializes in dairy cattle farming, and in 2017, 565 business entities were registered within the commune. Situated in the central part of the county, near the border with the Podlaskie Voivodeship, Lelis lies within the picturesque surroundings of the Zielona Puszcza (Green Forest), through which five rivers flow. The natural resources of the commune include forests covering 7,393 hectares, accounting for 37.6% of its total area. In terms of tourism, the Ethnographic Center of the Cultural and Natural Heritage of the Kurpie Region showcases the culture of the Puszczacy people with exhibits dating from the late 19th century to the 1980s. The commune also features 10.9 km of bicycle paths, promoting physical activity and recreation. Architecturally, local churches stand out, including the Parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Lelis and the Parish of Our Lady of Częstochowa in Obierwia, which are part of the Kadzidło and Ostrołęka deaneries, respectively. The local economy remains balanced despite a budget deficit of PLN 4.2 million in 2019, with revenues amounting to PLN 39.1 million. An interesting aspect is the presence of regional traditions and local culture, which can be explored in depth through the activities of the Ethnographic Center, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts alike. The municipality of Lelis is a place where nature intertwines with cultural heritage, creating an attractive environment for both residents and visitors.