Punktów

Puńców is a charming village in the Silesian Voivodeship, within Cieszyn County, situated in the Cieszyn Foothills in the valley of the Puńcówka River. It covers an area of 1021 hectares and has a population of approximately 1,508 residents. As part of the historic region of Cieszyn Silesia, the village boasts a rich historical heritage dating back to the 13th century, when Puńców was first mentioned in a document by Wrocław Bishop Lawrence in 1223. Initially, the village belonged to the Duchy of Opole and Racibórz, later becoming an integral part of the newly established Duchy of Cieszyn. The historic architecture of Puńców is represented by the Church of St. George, built in the late Gothic style in 1518, as well as a historic granary dating from the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. The village is characterized by a diverse religious tradition, with the presence of both the Roman Catholic Church and the Evangelical-Augsburg Church. Puńców's culture is also reflected in historical figures such as Jerzy Harwot and Alojzy Milata, who contributed to the development of ethnography and geography. An interesting fact is the former Polish-Czech border crossing Puńców-Kojkovice, which was abolished following Poland's accession to the Schengen Area. The village is surrounded by picturesque cycling routes, making it an attractive destination for tourists. The history of Puńców is a testament to the complex past of the region and its cultural diversity, while its architecture remains a vital element of local identity.