Upper Plóczki

Płóczki Górne is a rural administrative village (sołecka) located in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, in the Lwówek Śląski county, with a rich history dating back to prehistoric times when traces of Neolithic settlement were found. During the Middle Ages, the area became known for the extraction of alluvial gold. In a 1217 document issued by Henry I the Bearded, the village was mentioned in the context of donations to the parish church in Lwówek Śląski. The Church of St. Bartholomew, listed in the voivodeship heritage register, dates back to the 13th century and has undergone numerous renovations. Its interior features Gothic sculptures, Renaissance tombstones, and Baroque elements, including a polychrome altar. Other historical monuments include a parsonage from 1753, a 19th-century tower, and the site of a former Evangelical church, which has not survived to the present day. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Płóczki Górne was a center of intensive agricultural and craft activities, and a fire in 1868 caused significant damage. In the interwar period, the village hosted a State Agricultural Farm (PGR), and according to the 2011 National Census, it had 554 inhabitants. Płóczki Górne is characterized by regional architecture typical of the late 19th century, featuring brick ground floors combined with half-timbered upper floors. A notable feature is the deposits of agates and amethysts, which are significant for the local economy. In 2003, the annual Agate Trail Run was organized, highlighting the region's tourist appeal. The village is surrounded by picturesque hills, and several hiking trails run through the area, making it ideal for recreation and nature contemplation.