New Piekuty

Nowe Piekuty is a village located in Poland, in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, within the High Mazovian County. It serves as the seat of the gmina (municipality) of the same name and is also home to a Roman Catholic parish dedicated to Saint Casimir. The history of the village dates back to the 15th century when these lands were part of the noble Łopienie estate. In the 16th century, the settlement was known as Piekuty, and its inhabitants bore the surname Piekutowski. During the 17th century, the village gained recognition on a broader historical stage, and in the 18th century, Piekuty became notable for hosting King Louis XVIII at a local inn. By the 19th century, the population stood at 103 residents, and the Nowe Piekuty gmina was formally established in 1864. In the interwar period, the village boasted numerous service establishments, including shops and mills, and established a Volunteer Fire Department. World War II brought destruction and occupation, including resistance activities. After the war, the area experienced conflicts between the communist authorities and underground movements. Following liberation in 1944, Nowe Piekuty returned to normalcy, although a National Council (Gminna Rada Narodowa) remained in place until 1954. Culturally, Nowe Piekuty takes pride in its parish church dedicated to Saint Casimir, with origins tracing back to the first chapels built in the 16th century. The current church, constructed in the Neo-Gothic style, was consecrated in 1975. Over the years, local educational institutions have also developed, starting from a Russian elementary school in the 19th century to the establishment of a Public Middle School in 1999. In addition to the church, the region features numerous historical monuments, such as a chapel from 1848 and cast-iron roadside crosses dating back to the late 19th century. Nowe Piekuty also offers diverse transportation connections, facilitating access to nearby towns and larger cities. Within the gmina, visitors can admire beautiful natural landscapes that, combined with rich history and local traditions, create a fascinating cultural mosaic. The village is not only an important part of the local infrastructure but also a place that cherishes its historical heritage and traditions, attracting visitors with its preserved identity and storied past. Today, Nowe Piekuty is home to 241 residents and is characterized by its history, community, and diverse cultural legacy.