Pogorzel

Pogorzel is a village in the Masovian Voivodeship, located in the Mińsk County, with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. Settlement in the Pogorzel area began to develop intensively after the Polish-Lithuanian Union. Originally a cluster of peasant farms, the village came under the patronage of the Siennicki family in the 16th century. An architectural highlight of Pogorzel is the manor house built between 1740 and 1742 by Antonina Nowosielska and Kazimierz Rudziński, surrounded by a picturesque park designed by the Italian architect Antonio Solari. The Baroque-style manor, with its preserved interior including a 19th-century fireplace, is shrouded in intriguing legends, such as one about a hidden tunnel leading to the church in Siennica, said to have served as a refuge. Rural culture is kept alive by the Volunteer Fire Department and the Rural Housewives' Circle, which promote local traditions. Historically, Pogorzel witnessed an armored battle in July 1944, marked by fierce clashes between retreating German forces and the Soviet army. Today, benefiting from its convenient transportation links, the village is undergoing modernization, with expansions to its water supply and telecommunications networks. Residents are actively involved in various initiatives aimed at improving their quality of life, evident in newly built streets and the development of service infrastructure, including a primary school and a local store. Important cultural landmarks in Pogorzel include roadside shrines, such as the Holy Trinity figure, a valuable example of folk architecture. Today, Pogorzel is a small but vibrant community that blends its rich historical heritage with the modern development of local society.