Skrzydlewo

Skrzydlewo, formerly known as Zollerndorf, is a small rural village in western Poland, located in the Greater Poland Voivodeship, within Międzychód County and the administrative district of Międzychód. It lies along the tributaries of the Kamionka River, approximately 5 km south of Międzychód. The history of the settlement dates back to the Middle Ages, with the first records from 1423. Over the centuries, the village was a noble estate, and its owners changed due to inheritance and transactions. In the 15th century, Skrzydlewo belonged to the Nałęcz family, with the earliest known owner being Dobrogost Kamieński. In the 16th century, the village was part of Poznań County and had various owners, including the Belęcki and Nadelwicz families. In the 17th century, the Unrug family acquired the estate and retained ownership for many years. In the 19th century, Skrzydlewo became part of the Prussian Międzyrzecz County, and data from that period show that the village had 301 inhabitants. In the second half of the 19th century, the number of Catholics decreased as a result of Germanization policies. In the 20th century, the village underwent various administrative changes, including a period of belonging to the Gorzów Voivodeship (1975–1998). Skrzydlewo faces the problem of depopulation; in 2009, the number of inhabitants was only 105. The village is characterized by a predominance of women among its residents, and the age structure indicates an aging population. In 2010, there were six businesses operating in the village, mainly in the service sector. Despite its historical significance and various changes, today Skrzydlewo remains a small, charming locality that once held considerable importance in the region. Interestingly, many water mills historically existed in the area, although there were no windmills in the village itself, reflecting its agricultural background. Its past connections with the Unrug family, the diversity of owners, and the demographic and cultural changes make Skrzydlewo a place with a rich, multi-layered history that, despite its declining population, still preserves its traditional heritage and local identity.