Wodzisław County

Wodzisław County, with its seat in Wodzisław Śląski, is located in the Silesian Voivodeship and boasts a rich architectural and historical heritage. Its most important landmarks include the Dietrichstein Palace, built between 1742 and 1745, which now serves as the Regional Museum, and the 14th-century Franciscan monastery complex. Other notable sites include the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, constructed on Gothic foundations, and the palace and park complex in Kokoszyce. The region also features historic urban layouts, such as the Old Town in Wodzisław, which has retained its unique character. Culturally, Wodzisław County thrives thanks to the Wodzisław Cultural Center, the City Museum, and the Municipal and County Public Library. Sports enthusiasts can follow the fortunes of the football club Odra Wodzisław Śląski, which has a rich history in the Polish top league. The region is also home to significant religious sites, such as the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Pszów and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima in Turza Śląska. Interestingly, the county is also a pilgrimage destination. In terms of tourism, the area offers picturesque cycling routes where visitors can admire nature and numerous historical monuments, such as the wooden churches in Łaziska and Gołkowice. The county also features a rich industrial landscape, dominated by factory chimneys and slag heaps in its northern part. A notable curiosity is the Mszana Motorway Bridge, which is the widest bridge in Poland. Despite its industrial past, Wodzisław County retains many natural areas, such as the ponds in Wielikąt, making it an attractive destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The county has a diverse transportation infrastructure, with key roads like the A1 motorway and railway lines connecting Wodzisław, Rydułtowy, and Olza. Partner municipalities, such as the Recklinghausen district and Ostrava, highlight the region's international character. According to 2020 data, the county's population was 156,939. Its history dates back to the late Middle Ages when the Wodzisław State was established. Thanks to the county's reactivation in 1999 and the preservation of its historical boundaries, both residents and tourists can enjoy its rich cultural and architectural heritage.