Zwiastowice

Zwiastowice, located in the Opole Voivodeship, is a village with a rich history dating back to medieval times, with the first records from 1223. The village is situated in Upper Silesia, in the Racibórz Valley, and the Stradunia River flows through its area. Historically, Zwiastowice was associated with the Cistercian Order and was part of the Habsburg Monarchy, the Kingdom of Prussia, and later Poland after World War II. Architectural monuments, such as the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary from 1853 and the remains of a manor farm from 1825, testify to the village’s rich past. Zwiastowice was inhabited by mixed German-Polish communities, with residents speaking the Prudnik dialect. Over the years, the village’s population has decreased, and in 2011, it numbered only 230 people. The village boasts a rich cultural heritage, with the German Circle of Friendship actively promoting German culture in the region. An important element of local history is the monument commemorating the residents who died during World War I. Zwiastowice has a well-developed transport infrastructure, with National Road 40 and bus connections, as well as proximity to a railway line. Recently, the village has been involved in renewal programs, such as the reconstruction of the fire station, and initiatives to protect local heritage. An interesting fact is the archaeological site from the Stone Age and the village’s affiliation with the Euroregion Pradziad. Zwiastowice is a typical Silesian village that combines cultural and historical elements while maintaining the unique character of the region.