Mochów

Mochów, a village in the Opole Voivodeship, is situated in the Lower Osobloga Valley, within the Głogówek municipality, in the historical region of Upper Silesia. First mentioned in 1358, it was a site associated with the Pauline Order, which built a monastery here in 1388. Today, it is home to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Jasna Góra, where a replica of the miraculous image of Our Lady of Częstochowa is of particular note. Mochów is a village with a rich history; until 1742, it belonged to the Habsburg Monarchy and later came under the rule of the Kingdom of Prussia. Architecturally, besides the monastery, the village features other historical monuments such as the Holy Trinity Church, chapels, and historic residential and farm buildings. The village is also known for a symbolic monument commemorating the residents who died in World War I, to which plaques for the victims of World War II were later added. Culturally, Mochów stands out due to the presence of both the German minority and Silesians, with locals speaking the Prudnik dialect. Tourism is developing in the region, with cycling trails and activities organized by the Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society (PTTK), while residents host various cultural events, such as those promoted by the German Circle of Friendship. The village has decent transport infrastructure, including road and bus connections, which facilitates visits. There is also a Volunteer Fire Department that ensures the safety of the local community. An intriguing figure associated with Mochów is Jan Gałeczka, a Catholic priest and national activist who established the first Polish printing house in Upper Silesia. In 2011, Mochów was inhabited by 430 people, and the village strives for development and renewal by participating in programs aimed at improving the quality of life for its residents.