Our commune...
Grodzisko Dolne is one of 114 rural parishes in Podkarpackie Province. The Parish of Grodzisko Dolne is located in the county of Leżajsk in a picturesque, hilly area. There are 10 villages in Grodzisko Dolne commune. It covers an area of 78,42 square kilometers (76% - agricultural area, 23% - woodland) and has a population density of 106,16 per square kilometer.
There are 8323 inhabitants in Grodzisko Dolne Parish: 4182 women and 4141 men.
Grodzisko Dolne Parish borders with Białobrzegi, Leżajsk, Tryńcza and Żołynia.
Archaeologists are interested in the area of Grodzisko Dolne. There were made some exceptional archaeological discoveries in 1996. Archaeological excavations and scientific researches proved the presence of human being in this area in Neolithic and Bronze periods. There were found reminds of settlements from 11 thousand years ago.
The first documents about Grodzisko Dolne are dated back to the end of the 14th century. According to archaeologists and historians the fortified settlement existed in this area. In the 18th century the city rights were given to Grodzisko Dolne. Unfortunately, Grodzisko Dolne lost these rights in 1918.
The oldest monument in Grodzisko Dolne is Saint Barbara Church. The interior decoration in this church is dated back to the 17th – 20th centuries. The church was renovated since 90s of the 20th century and the general overhaul was finished in 2006.
The characteristic elements of Grodzisko Dolne are numerous wayside crosses and monumental shrines. Their beauty and unique appearance are in harmony with surroundings. The shrines were built to express local people’s gratefulness to God.
There is a hundred-year old building of the Austro-Hungarian railway in Chodaczów (one of Grodzisko Dolne Parish villages).
Grodzisko Dolne can be proud of many well-known people such as: an ethnographer and a sociologist prof. Józef Buszta (1914-1987), a mathematician Franciszek Leja (1885-1979) or a historian of the Roman Church, prof. Wincenty Urban (1911-1983).
The Jewish minority had an influence on the economic development of Grodzisko Dolne “Miasteczko”(so called “town”) in the past. They had their own kehilla and synagogue. During the Second World War most of them fled, several people found hiding places in the local villages, but 125 people were executed by SS-men.
The Parish of Grodzisko Dolne actively promotes the local folk culture. It is famous for well developed folk traditions. The musical tradition is cultivated by the regional folk bands called “Grodziszczoki” and “Laszczynka”, and by the brass band.
Numerous organisations and associations acting in this area support and promote the unique culture and traditions of Grodzisko Dolne. The most active associations are: “Kobiety Gminy Grodzisko Dolne”, “Turki Grodziskie”, “Missio Misericordiae”, and “Ziemia Grodziska”. The Parish of Grodzisko Dolne co-organises different outdoor events which attract many people. The most important events in Grodzisko Dolne are: The Parade of Tomb’s Guards “Turki”, (Ogólnopolska Parada Straży Wielkanocnych “Turki”), Parachuting Championships of Podkarpacie in Accuracy Landing (Spadochronowe Mistrzostwa Podkarpacia w Celności Lądowania), Regional Missionary Congress (Regionalny Kongres Misyjny), Grodzisko Dolne Days (Dni Grodziska).
The area of Grodzisko Dolne Parish is characterised by interesting landform and the natural potential of environment. There are a lot of wonderful places which are worth seeing. Hilly area and tourist tracks let to admire breathtaking views and enable to visit historical and cultural places and monuments. The Nature Reserve called “Zmysłówka” is the place worth visiting because of many impressive old trees such as oaks, beeches and larches. In addition, there are varied fauna and flora in the woodland.
Among many attractions of Grodzisko Dolne Parish there in an artificial lake called “Czyste”. It provides people with very good conditions for recreation and different activities, for example fishing or windsurfing. There is also a tourist information office so you will have an opportunity to get to know more about other tourist attractions in this area.
