Milejczyce

Milejczyce is a rural municipality located in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, within the Siemiatycze County, with its administrative seat in the village of Milejczyce. Between 1975 and 1998, the municipality belonged to the Białystok Voivodeship. As of the end of 2019, its area of 151.79 km² was home to 1,710 inhabitants. In terms of land use, agricultural areas account for 53% of the municipality, while forests cover 40%, highlighting the region's agricultural character. The municipality's history dates back to 1921, when it had a population of 4,801 people and a significant mix of nationalities and religions, with a dominant presence of Orthodox believers and individuals of Belarusian nationality. According to 2002 data, the majority of residents declared Polish nationality, and the religious structure had shifted, with Roman Catholicism becoming the dominant faith. Milejczyce is a place rich in religious culture, featuring numerous churches, including St. Barbara's Orthodox Church (1899) and St. Nicholas' Orthodox Church (1890), as well as a Roman Catholic church from 1744 and a synagogue from 1927, which no longer serves religious purposes. The municipality is known for its beautiful historic buildings and churches, reflecting diverse cultural and religious traditions. Its administrative units include villages such as Milejczyce, Grabarka, and Rogacze, and it borders the municipalities of Boćki, Czeremcha, and Dziadkowice. With its centuries-old history and fascinating cultural mosaic, Milejczyce offers an interesting area for exploration both for tourists and regional researchers.