Przydroże Małe

Przydroże Małe is a village located in the Opole Voivodeship, within Nysa County, and belongs to the municipality of Korfantów. It has approximately 301 inhabitants, and its history dates back to the 14th century, when it was mentioned as Predros (German: Snellindorph). The name of the locality derives from the Polish phrase "przy drodze" (by the road), which emphasizes its location. Over the centuries, Przydroże Małe was closely linked with Przydroże Wielkie, and its history was marked by numerous events, such as the Hussite Wars and the Thirty Years' War. The village was in the hands of well-known noble families, such as the Dluhomils or the von Herbersteins, who owned estates in the area. In 1741, a secret convention was held here, which contributed to the annexation of Silesia by Prussia. Within the village, there are historical monuments, including the 19th-century church complex on Szwedzka Górka (Swedish Hill), which consists of the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows and numerous chapels and stations of the cross. The village also features an 18th-century Baroque palace and a neo-Gothic church dedicated to St. Florian, built in 1901. The culture of Przydroże Małe is expressed through the activities of the Rural Housewives' Circle, and in 2023, a new community center was opened. After World War II, the village was resettled by people from the Eastern Borderlands and central Poland. In addition to historical monuments, an important religious element is the Catholic Church of St. Florian and the significant pilgrimage site—the church on Szwedzka Górka, which has been granted the status of a Jubilee Sanctuary. Despite its small population, Przydroże Małe boasts a rich history, architecture, and vibrant cultural life.