Piekoszów

Piekoszów is an urban-rural municipality in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, within Kielce County, with its administrative seat located in the town of Piekoszów. Its history dates back to the 11th century, and one of the earliest written mentions of the area is from 1337. From the 14th century, Piekoszów was under the influence of the Strasz family and later the Sporowski family, who introduced German law and established important institutions in the region. The municipality boasts rich architectural traditions, including the ruins of the 17th-century Tarłów Palace in Podzamcze Piekoszowskie, which witnessed numerous historical events. Due to its mineral resources, Piekoszów has a long history of raw material extraction, such as copper ores and limestone. A parish school also operated in the area, and the renowned writer Stefan Żeromski, who had connections to the region, was one of its notable residents. During the interwar period, the municipality experienced dynamic growth, and after World War II, it gained significant importance due to industrial development, including limestone processing. The peasant movement flourished in the area, and new brick buildings were constructed in Piekoszów. Today, the municipality is home to approximately 15,000 residents and consists of numerous villages, including Brynica, Rykoszyn, and Zajączków, as well as smaller settlements. Piekoszów is an important point on the regional map, with a rich history, natural resources, and a diverse demographic and cultural structure.