Staszkówka

Staszkówka is a village located in the southeastern part of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, in Gorlice County, within the Ciężkowice Foothills, covering an area of 1,114 hectares. The village has an agricultural character, with many small farms. In 2021, it had 1,523 inhabitants. It is home to the John Paul II School Complex, a medical point, and several local organizations, such as the Volunteer Fire Department (OSP). Staszkówka is the seat of the Parish of St. Adalbert, and its Neo-Gothic church with a Neo-Baroque main altar is a significant architectural feature, housing the image of Our Lady of Staszkówka. Within Staszkówka, there are also four World War I military cemeteries, which are listed in the register of monuments, testifying to the village's tragic fate during the war. The most prominent monument is the Patria monument, towering over the area, which commemorates fallen soldiers. The history of Staszkówka dates back to at least the 10th century, with the first written mention in 1382. Over the centuries, Staszkówka witnessed many events, including the Galician Slaughter in 1846 and fierce battles during World War I in 1915, when the village became the site of heavy fighting in the Gorlice Offensive. The consequences of these events led to extreme poverty among the residents, which persisted for many years. After the war, the village underwent changes, including the parceling of the manor estate, and later the development of local sports and cultural institutions, such as the "Sokół" People's Sports Club and the OSP. An interesting fact is that local tradition holds that St. Adalbert passed through Staszkówka, commemorated by a statue and a well located near the church. Staszkówka, with its rich history and significant monuments, is an important point on the regional map, blending tradition with modernity.