Zator Deanery

The Zator Deanery in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kraków is one of 44 deaneries and consists of nine parishes, including the Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Bachowice and the Parish of St. Adalbert and St. George in Zator. The history of the deanery dates back to the 13th century, when, according to a parish register from 1326, it included various localities such as Przeciszów, Gierałtowice, and Spytkowice. Over the years, parishes underwent changes, and some were transferred to other deaneries, such as Nowa Góra. In the 15th century, the Zator Deanery was part of a broader administrative structure, and during the time of Jan Długosz, its parishes came under the care of the newly established Oświęcim Deanery. By the 18th century, the deanery encompassed 25 parishes, and the number of Catholics in the region was approximately 39,000. Architecturally, the historic churches are noteworthy, often serving as witnesses to local traditions and cultural events. Interestingly, there were practically no Protestants in the area of the deanery, while Jewish communities had their own representation. From a historical perspective, the Zator Deanery, through its changes and evolution, reflects broader social and cultural transformations that have taken place in Poland over the centuries.