Zator

Zator Municipality, located in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, covers an area of 52 km², of which 52% is agricultural land and 6% is forested. The municipality, which constitutes 12.67% of the area of Oświęcim County, is situated in the Oświęcim Basin at the foothills of the Carpathian Foothills, on the Skawa River. As an urban-rural municipality, Zator has its administrative seat in its main town, which bears the same name. Roads numbered 781, 44, and 28, along with the railway line No. 94 Kraków Płaszów–Oświęcim, facilitate transportation to other regions. According to demographic data, at the end of 2014, the municipality had a population of 9,287, which is a significant indicator of the growth of this local community. The social structure of the municipality includes villages such as Graboszyce, Grodzisko, Laskowa, Łowiczki, Palczowice, Podolsze, Rudze, Smolice, and Trzebieńczyce. Historically part of the Bielsko Voivodeship before the administrative reform of 1975–1998, Zator Municipality stands out for its rich cultural heritage. Zator is also significant from a tourism perspective, with attractions such as Energylandia, an amusement park that draws visitors from all over Poland. The municipality also maintains international relations—it has several partner cities, including Berekfürdő in Hungary, Bojnice and Terchová in Slovakia, Atri in Italy, and Csikszentkirály in Romania, fostering cultural exchange and international cooperation. From a historical standpoint, Zator Municipality has been an important center in the region, and its surroundings are rich in monuments and traditions, making it an interesting place for both residents and tourists. The municipality is developing dynamically, as evidenced by its population growth and tourist appeal, becoming an increasingly popular place to live and spend leisure time.