Siedliszcze

Siedliszcze is a town in the Lublin Voivodeship, located in the Chełm County, with a population of 1,431 according to 2019 data. Currently, Siedliszcze is the result of the merger of three localities: Siedliszcze-Osady, Siedliszcze (village), and Siedliszcze-Kolonia, which took place on January 1, 2012. The etymology of the name Siedliszcze is linked to the word "siedlisko," meaning a homestead with appropriate buildings. The town's history dates back to 1396, when it was first mentioned in historical records. Siedliszcze received town rights in 1548, but these were revoked in 1821. After regaining its town rights in 2016, Siedliszcze once again became a socio-economic center of the region. The town is home to an open-air museum, which showcases a rich collection of artifacts related to the regional cultural heritage, including a 19th-century wooden rectory and a thatched barn. Siedliszcze is also the home of the football club Spółdzielca Siedliszcze, which competes in the regional league. In terms of religious denominations, the Catholic Church, Pentecostal communities, and Jehovah's Witnesses are predominant. Notable architectural heritage includes an 18th-century manor complex in Siedliszcze-Kolonia and historic buildings in the old part of the town. Interestingly, for many centuries, Siedliszcze was home to a significant Jewish community, which influenced its cultural landscape. Over the years, the town has gained regional importance, and its history reflects a rich cultural and social mosaic that has endured to this day.