Ropczyce

Ropczyce is a town located in the western part of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, serving as the seat of the Ropczyce-Sędziszów County. Situated on the border between the Central Beskid Foothills and the Sandomierz Basin, Ropczyce boasts a rich history dating back to the 13th century, with evidence of settlement existing even before its destruction by Ruthenians in 1226. In 1362, King Casimir the Great granted the town its charter of incorporation, which contributed to its development in the 15th and 16th centuries, when Ropczyce earned the nickname "Little Gdańsk" due to its vibrant trade. The 17th century brought a period of decline, and after the partitions of Poland, the town fell under Austrian rule. In the 20th century, after World War II, Ropczyce regained its status as a county seat, while during the Nazi occupation, the local Jewish population was brutally deported to concentration camps. Architecturally, Ropczyce features landmarks such as the Parish Church of the Transfiguration of Jesus, a falcon in the town's coat of arms, and the building of the former Savings Bank from 1905. Modern development is concentrated along main roads, with characteristic housing estates from the 1980s and 1990s. Culturally, the town is active, with various local media outlets and educational institutions, including the Tadeusz Kościuszko High School. Ropczyce maintains partnerships with towns such as Ochsenfurt and Stropkov. An interesting fact is that the renowned painter Józef Mehoffer was born in Ropczyce, and the town is rich in sporting events, including the activities of the MKS Błękitni Ropczyce football club and the Aquatic Center, which offers diverse recreational opportunities. Ropczyce serves as an important economic hub of the region, with numerous industrial plants, and its location within the EURO-PARK MIELEC Special Economic Zone further underscores its strategic importance.