Rozkochów

Rozkochów is a village located in the Opole Voivodeship, within the Krapkowice County, historically associated with Upper Silesia. In 2011, it had a population of 530 people. The village, known by various names throughout different periods, was first mentioned in Cistercian documents in the 14th century. Archaeological traces of human presence date back to the Stone Age. Rozkochów witnessed numerous historical events, including the Hussite invasion and the official adoption of its name by Polish authorities in 1947. In the 19th century, the village featured a castle, a school, and a distillery, reflecting its socio-economic development. In the 1930s, the Rossweide airfield was established, and during World War II, the village was partially destroyed. After the war, Rozkochów came under Polish administration and was granted the status of a sołectwo (village administrative unit) within the Walce municipality. Architecturally, the village’s heritage includes the 18th-century St. Catherine’s Church and an 18th–19th-century palace complex. Buildings associated with the palace complex are also protected in the municipal heritage register. The village also features a monument commemorating residents who fell in World War I and World War II. Cultural institutions in Rozkochów include a kindergarten, a library, and a Volunteer Fire Department, along with numerous tourist events, such as cycling trails. In the context of local culture and community, notable figures associated with the village include Johann Kroll, an activist of the German minority, and cyclist Stanisław Szozda. Despite its small size, Rozkochów stands out for its rich history and architecture, making it an interesting point on the regional map.