Olkusz

Olkusz is an urban-rural municipality located in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, within Olkusz County. The seat of the municipality is the town of Olkusz, which boasts a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, when local silver mining played a significant role. Between 1975 and 1998, the municipality belonged to the Katowice Voivodeship. According to data from the end of 2018, the municipality is home to 49,026 people. Olkusz features numerous valuable architectural landmarks, including historic churches, the most famous of which is the 15th-century Holy Trinity Church. The municipality is also a center of religious activity, with eight Roman Catholic parishes, a Pentecostal Church congregation, and a Seventh-day Adventist Church group. Additionally, there are two Jehovah's Witnesses communities in Olkusz. The municipality comprises various auxiliary units, including village councils (sołectwa) and ten housing estates within the town of Olkusz itself. The total area of the municipality is 150.66 km², of which 25.6 km² is occupied by the town. Agricultural land accounts for 44%, and forested areas for 45% of the total area. Olkusz is also a venue for numerous cultural events, including festivals and local gatherings that bring the community together and promote regional traditions. The local legends and mining history, which remain alive among the residents, are particularly noteworthy. Demographically, the municipality of Olkusz covers 24.21% of the county's area, making it a significant point on the regional map.