Periwinkle

Barwinek is a village located in the Low Beskids, in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, known for its rich history and strategic location on the communication route connecting Hungary and Poland. It was established in the 14th century under Wallachian law, and its owners included various noble families, among them the Męciński family, who transformed the village into an agricultural center. Barwinek witnessed many historical events, including the Bar Confederation uprising in the 18th century, when forces under Kazimierz Pułaski were stationed there. The village became a battleground during World War I and World War II, as well as during events related to the Hungarian uprisings, leading to destruction and population displacement. After the war, dominated by the Polish population, Barwinek lost its multi-ethnic character, with its population dropping from about 1,000 before the war to just 60 afterward. During the Polish People's Republic, the village remained primarily agricultural, with some residents employed by customs offices. Barwinek is also a tourist destination, with two mountain trails and proximity to the planned S19 expressway. The history of the village is not only tied to military skirmishes but also to local industry, as the Męciński family sold land to the Thonet brothers, who established a furniture factory. Despite the closure of the border crossing as part of the Schengen Area, Barwinek remains an important location in the region.