Skawa

Skawa is a village located in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, in the municipality of Raba Wyżna, between Rabka-Zdrój and Jordanów. The name of the locality comes from the Skawa River, known for its meandering character. The history of Skawa dates back to the 15th century, although the village was not mentioned in Jan Długosz's *Liber Beneficiorum*. In 1490, it was part of the parish in Mszana, and by the end of the 19th century, it had 284 households and 1,713 inhabitants. Skawa is home to a historic chapel, and a classicist manor of the Borowski family once stood here. The local culture is rich, featuring a brass orchestra and the "Truteń" cabaret. Skawa is known for the Salesian Institution, which began operations in 1920 but was interrupted due to the war. After World War II, the village developed dynamically, with various institutions and infrastructure established, including schools and a health center. Geographically, Skawa is situated in the Rabka Basin, a mountainous area with challenging conditions for agriculture, which, however, favors tourism. The village is surrounded by the Gorce and Babia Góra ranges, offering opportunities for hiking and skiing. The natural environment of Skawa is characterized by a moderate transitional climate, a relatively steep gradient of the Skawa River, and the presence of mineral waters. The flora is diverse despite forest destruction, and the fauna includes hares, deer, and a variety of bird species. Skawa serves as a local sports center, with the football team "KS Skawianin Skawa," supporting the local community in sports activities. Due to development and agricultural activities, the area has undergone changes that have impacted natural ecosystems. These features and its rich history make Skawa an interesting place to visit, with attractive natural and cultural values.