Ogrodzieniec

Ogrodzieniec is an urban-rural municipality in Poland, located in the Silesian Voivodeship, within Zawiercie County, with its administrative seat in the town of Ogrodzieniec. From 1975 to 1998, the municipality was part of the Katowice Voivodeship. According to data from 2017, it had a population of 9,180 residents. Ogrodzieniec covers an area of 85.69 km², of which 46% is agricultural land and 44% is forested, making it an attractive area for both agriculture and tourism. Among the historical attractions of the municipality is the "Prochownia," the ruins of a tsarist gunpowder factory from the early 20th century, with preserved fragments of walls and pillars. Located in a forest, the site is part of a tourist trail leading to Dąbrowa Górnicza, and its destruction is linked to World War I. It is one of the unique places that attract tourists interested in history and industrial architecture. The municipality borders the municipalities of Klucze, Kroczyce, Łazy, Pilica, and Zawiercie, which enhances its tourist appeal. In terms of education, the municipality operates various institutions, including the Public Middle School in Ogrodzieniec and several primary schools, highlighting the importance of education in the local community. The municipality also boasts extensive international cooperation, with partnerships with cities such as Bogács, Spišské Podhradie, Melissano, Groß-Bieberau, and Forbach, fostering cultural exchange and local collaboration. The municipality's heritage sites are complemented by a detailed list of objects registered by the National Heritage Board of Poland, encouraging exploration and discovery of local history. The Ogrodzieniec municipality holds significance for both residents and tourists, serving as a place with a rich historical heritage, valuable natural resources, and a commitment to preserving local culture.