Stobrawa

Stobrawa, formerly known as Stoberau, is a village in Poland located in the Opole Voivodeship, within Opole County, in the municipality of Popielów, on the Stobrawa River. The first mentions of the settlement date back to the 13th century, and its name derives from the word “stobor” or “steber,” meaning “post” or “pillar.” The village had rich traditions related to navigation on the Stobrawa River, which was used for timber floating. The hamlet of Odłogi, located within the village, refers to the activities of raftsmen. Stobrawa was a knight's village with multiple owners, and archaeological research reveals traces of settlement from the Lusatian culture period. The village also played an educational role, with an active school since the 18th century; the school building dates back to 1885. The village was characterized by a wooden church from the 15th century, which was destroyed in 1945 after numerous fires and a flood. After World War II, Stobrawa was resettled by people from the eastern borderlands, and local administration underwent changes due to administrative reorganizations. After 2000, the village gained new opportunities for tourism development with the establishment of the Stobrawski Landscape Park, opening prospects for agritourism. Stobrawa still has a Volunteer Fire Department, and the village has basic infrastructure, although demographic changes and the migration of residents to larger cities affect its development. Modern-day Stobrawa is a place with a rich history that strives to adapt to contemporary living conditions while preserving its cultural heritage.