Nielepice

Nielepice is a village in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, within Kraków County, known for its rich history and scenic location in the Tenczyn Ridge. The settlement was likely founded in the early 14th century by Nawoj of Morawica, the Sandomierz voivode of the Topór coat of arms, who collaborated with the Topór family, which also owned other nearby settlements. Nielepice was part of the parish in Rudawa, and the first written records of the village date back to 1394. Over the centuries, the village changed hands among noble families such as the Tęczyńskis, Opalińskis, Sieniawskis, and Czartoryskis. In the 19th century, the enfranchisement of peasants significantly impacted local life. Architecturally, the village is characterized by its local primary school and a communal building with a community center. Nielepice is also home to Dymniok, a famous cross on a rock that has suffered damage multiple times and been restored repeatedly, most recently in 2010. In the 21st century, Nielepice has gained tourist significance as the starting point of the Transjura Horse Trail and is popular among climbers. An interesting fact is the discovery of mammoth bones in the village in 1936 and 1960. The population in 2021 was 841, and community events, such as the consecration of a shrine with Our Lady of Fátima in 2017, demonstrate the local community's commitment to preserving traditions. The surroundings of Nielepice feature numerous hiking and climbing trails, attracting outdoor sports enthusiasts.