Straszewo

Straszewo is a village located in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, in the Aleksandrów County. The history of the locality dates back to 1250, when it was mentioned in documents as the property of the Kuyavian bishops. The village was part of the Raciążek Estate and remained under episcopal jurisdiction until the partitions of Poland. Straszewo held strategic communication importance, as the national road No. 266 ran through the village, and until 1985, there was a narrow-gauge railway station here, which contributed to the development of the region, especially in the early 20th century. The local architecture is distinguished by the wooden Church of St. Martin from the 18th century, a valuable monument with excellently preserved elements of Gothic sculpture and polychrome. Besides the church, within Straszewo, there is a manor and park complex from the mid-19th century and a historic parish cemetery. The culture and traditions of the village are vibrant, including the preserved custom of "Walking with the Goat" during Fat Week and annual firefighter ceremonies during Easter. Straszewo also reveals its folklore through interesting tales, such as the legend of hidden treasures. During World War II, the village became a site of military operations, and memories of those times remain vivid in local history. Straszewo is also a witness to administrative changes, territorial affiliations, and social phenomena, and the history of its inhabitants, such as teachers and local activists, adds color to this small yet significant locality.