Ostrzeszów County

Ostrzeszów County, located in the Greater Poland Voivodeship, was reestablished in 1999, with the town of Ostrzeszów as its capital. The history of the county dates back to the times of Casimir the Great, who established the seat of the castle district administration in Ostrzeszów. The area of the county underwent numerous administrative changes, including periods under Prussian rule and later the Kingdom of Poland. In 1920, the county expanded with territories acquired from Germany, but it was abolished in 1932. It was reestablished in 1954 and incorporated into the new Kalisz Voivodeship in 1975. The county is known for its diverse architecture, including the ruins of the castle in Ostrzeszów and numerous churches, with the Bernardine Monastery and the Church of St. Nicholas being the most significant. The region also features many other religious monuments, such as the churches in Mikstat and Grabów nad Prosną. The county boasts a rich landscape, encompassing the Ostrzeszów Hills and the Rybiny Ponds, as well as protected areas like the Pieczyska and Jodły Ostrzeszowskie nature reserves. The local economy is based on industry, agriculture, and tourism, particularly in the Ostrzeszów Hills area. The unemployment rate stands at 3.9%, which is relatively low for the region. It is also worth mentioning the excellent transportation infrastructure, including railway lines and national and provincial roads, which facilitate access to the county. An interesting fact is the regional diversity, with forests covering 32% of the area and agricultural land accounting for 55%, which influences local culture and traditions. Thus, Ostrzeszów County stands out for both its rich historical heritage and its dynamically developing community.