Zabłędza

Zabłędza is a village located in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, in Tarnów County, with a rich history dating back to its first recorded mention in 1449. The settlement developed under the patronage of various owners, including Zygmunt and Stanisław Wielogłowski, and later the Broniowski family, who converted to Calvinism in the 17th century. The village faced difficult times in the 17th century when Piotr Broniowski was sentenced to banishment and his property was confiscated. In the 19th century, particularly after the partitions of Poland, Zabłędza witnessed municipal activities, including cultural development such as the establishment of a school. In the 1930s, deposits of iron ore were discovered in the area, attracting ministerial attention. World War II brought destruction, including air raids, forced labor deportations, and casualties in camps. After the war, the village underwent electrification and field drainage, although tragedies occurred in 1985, including a fire at the Agricultural Production Cooperative. Modern issues are related to landslides that took place in 2010. Zabłędza also features valuable sites, such as war cemetery No. 174, and a manor house from the mid-19th century, which currently requires renovations. The name of the village likely derives from the word "zabłądzić" (to get lost), reflecting the region's history in a verbal form. An interesting legend claims it was founded in 1260 when people fleeing the Mongol invasion took refuge in the forests, adding rich cultural and historical context to the area. It is also worth mentioning Józef Halagarda, a soldier of the Polish Legions associated with Zabłędza. The village is situated in the Carpathian Foothills and continues to develop as an important part of the local community.