Szydłowiec

Szydłowiec Municipality, located in the Masovian Voivodeship, within Szydłowiec County, is an area with a rich history dating back to 1864, when the rural municipality of Szydłowiec was established. It includes the town of Szydłowiec and surrounding villages, with the town serving as the municipal seat. The municipality was part of the Radom Voivodeship until 1998 and covers an area of 138.15 km², which constitutes 29.45% of the county's total area. The municipality hosts a subzone of the Starachowice Special Economic Zone, highlighting its economic potential. It is home to numerous architectural monuments, including the Szydłowiec Cultural Center "Zamek" and the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, which underscore the region's rich folk heritage. Szydłowiec has several primary schools and a General Education School Complex, reflecting the municipality's commitment to education. The majority of residents are Roman Catholic, and the municipality encompasses several parishes, including the Parish of St. Sigismund in Szydłowiec. It is also home to Mariavites and followers of other denominations. Despite a population decline from 19,390 in 2004 to 18,698 in 2019, Szydłowiec Municipality remains an attractive place to live and do business. An interesting historical note is that in 2000, the municipality lost part of its territory, including the villages of Pogorzałe and Skarżysko Książęce, to Skarżysko-Kamienna. The municipality includes numerous village administrations, such as Barak, Ciechostowice, Chustki, Sadek, Wysoka, and Zdziechów, each with its own local character and traditions. Thanks to its historical and cultural heritage, as well as dynamic development, Szydłowiec Municipality holds regional significance and is an appealing destination for both tourists and residents.