Wierzbowo

Wierzbica is a village located in the Masovian Voivodeship, serving as the seat of the eponymous municipality. It was once a town, having been granted town rights in 1469 by Casimir IV Jagiellon. In Wierzbica, there is an 18th-century parish church dedicated to St. Stanislaus, along with several other historical monuments, including 19th-century cemeteries and wooden residential houses. A significant aspect of the village's history is its affiliation with the Cistercian monastery in Wąchock, which oversaw local estates and placed great emphasis on the development of culture and local crafts. Important historical events took place in Wierzbica, such as the assembly of Duchess Grzymisława in 1229. Over the centuries, the village underwent various administrative changes, and after the fall of the January Uprising in 1870, it lost its town rights. Its development was also slowed down by fires in the 19th century. During World War II, Wierzbica was the site of tragic events related to the establishment of a ghetto for its Jewish residents, who were later deported to extermination camps. The village's economy was once diversified; it was home to a cement plant and asbestos factories, and plans to reopen the cement plant are based on local raw material resources. The local football club, Orzeł Wierzbica, represents the village in the Masovian IV League. Wierzbica has been home to renowned personalities, including athletes and clergy, making it a distinctive point on the regional map.