Proszowice

The Proszowice Commune, located in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, is an urban-rural municipality in the Proszowice County, with its administrative seat in the town of Proszowice. The religious landscape is predominantly shaped by five Roman Catholic parishes, all belonging to the Proszowice Deanery of the Kielce Diocese: Bobin, Klimontów, Kościelec, Proszowice, and Żębocin. Each parish boasts its own unique traditions and architectural heritage, attracting both worshippers and tourists. The commune covers an area of 100 km², with the vast majority (90%) dedicated to agricultural use and only a small portion (2%) covered by forests, highlighting the region's strong agrarian character. In 2017, the population was 16,324, reflecting stable demographic growth. A notable historical detail is that until 1998, the commune was part of the Kraków Voivodeship. The area is also traversed by the newly constructed EuroVelo 11 cycling route, which follows the path of a former narrow-gauge railway, offering tourists an opportunity to explore the region's natural and cultural treasures. Proszowice Commune borders the municipalities of Igołomia-Wawrzeńczyce, Kazimierza Wielka, Koniusza, Koszyce, Nowe Brzesko, Pałecznica, and Radziemice, fostering regional cooperation and cultural exchange. Additionally, the commune is a member of the Union of Polish Towns (Unia Miasteczek Polskich), which supports the active promotion of local initiatives and projects. Interestingly, despite its modest size and population, Proszowice offers numerous attractions for both residents and visitors, including traditional local festivals and events celebrating the region's rich cultural and historical heritage.