Swietokrzyskie Voivodeship
Encyclopedia
Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, or Świętokrzyskie Province ( w), is one of the 16 voivodeships
(province
s) into which Poland
is presently divided. It is situated in central Poland, in the historical province of Lesser Poland
, and takes its name from the Świętokrzyskie (Holy Cross)
mountain range. Its capital and largest city is Kielce
.
Świętokrzyskie Province is bounded by six other voivodeships: Masovian
to the north, Lublin
to the east, Subcarpathian
to the southeast, Lesser Poland
to the south, Silesian
to the southwest, and Łódź to the northwest.
The province was created on 1 January 1999, out of the former Kielce Voivodeship
and western part of Tarnobrzeg Voivodeship
, pursuant to the Polish local government reforms adopted in 1998. It covers an area of 11672 square kilometres (4,507 sq mi), making it the second smallest of the voivodeships (after Opole
). As at 2006, the total population of Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship is 1,281,796.
s): 1 city county and 13 land counties. These are further divided into 102 gmina
s.
The counties are listed in the following table (ordering within categories is by decreasing population).
s in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship include one National Park
and nine Landscape Parks
. These are listed below.
Voivodeships of Poland
The voivodeship, or province, called in Polish województwo , has been a high-level administrative subdivision of Poland since the 14th century....
(province
Province
A province is a territorial unit, almost always an administrative division, within a country or state.-Etymology:The English word "province" is attested since about 1330 and derives from the 13th-century Old French "province," which itself comes from the Latin word "provincia," which referred to...
s) into which Poland
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
is presently divided. It is situated in central Poland, in the historical province of Lesser Poland
Lesser Poland
Lesser Poland is one of the historical regions of Poland, with its capital in the city of Kraków. It forms the southeastern corner of the country, and should not be confused with the modern Lesser Poland Voivodeship, which covers only a small, southern part of Lesser Poland...
, and takes its name from the Świętokrzyskie (Holy Cross)
Swietokrzyskie Mountains
Świętokrzyskie Mountains , are a mountain range in central Poland, in the vicinity of the city of Kielce. The mountain range consists of a number of separate ranges, the highest of which is Łysogóry . The two highest peaks are Łysica at 612 meters and Łysa Góra at 593 meters...
mountain range. Its capital and largest city is Kielce
Kielce
Kielce ) is a city in central Poland with 204,891 inhabitants . It is also the capital city of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship since 1999, previously in Kielce Voivodeship...
.
Świętokrzyskie Province is bounded by six other voivodeships: Masovian
Masovian Voivodeship
-Administrative division:Masovian Voivodeship is divided into 42 counties : 5 city counties and 37 "land counties"...
to the north, Lublin
Lublin Voivodeship
- Administrative division :Lublin Voivodeship is divided into 24 counties : 4 city counties and 20 land counties. These are further divided into 213 gminas....
to the east, Subcarpathian
Subcarpathian Voivodeship
Podkarpackie Voivodeship , or Subcarpathian Voivodeship, is a voivodeship, or province, in extreme-southeastern Poland. Its administrative capital and largest city is Rzeszów...
to the southeast, Lesser Poland
Lesser Poland Voivodeship
Małopolska Voivodeship , or Lesser Poland Voivodeship, is a voivodeship, in southern Poland...
to the south, Silesian
Silesian Voivodeship
Silesian Voivodeship, or Silesia Province , is a voivodeship, or province, in southern Poland, centering on the historic region known as Upper Silesia...
to the southwest, and Łódź to the northwest.
The province was created on 1 January 1999, out of the former Kielce Voivodeship
Kielce Voivodeship
Kielce Voivodeship is a former unit of administrative division and local government in Poland.-1921-1938:Kielce Voivodeship was a unit of administrative division and local government in Poland in years 1921-1939. Back then, it covered a large chunk of central part of the country, including such...
and western part of Tarnobrzeg Voivodeship
Tarnobrzeg Voivodeship
Tarnobrzeg Voivodeship was a unit of administrative division and local government in Poland in years 1975-1998, superseded in parts by Subcarpathian Voivodeship, Swietokrzyskie Voivodeship and Lublin Voivodeship. Its capital city was Tarnobrzeg....
, pursuant to the Polish local government reforms adopted in 1998. It covers an area of 11672 square kilometres (4,507 sq mi), making it the second smallest of the voivodeships (after Opole
Opole Voivodeship
- Administrative division :Opole Voivodeship is divided into 12 counties : 1 city county and 11 land counties. These are further divided into 71 gminas.The counties are listed in the following table .- Economy :...
). As at 2006, the total population of Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship is 1,281,796.
Cities and towns
The voivodeship contains 31 cities and towns. These are listed below in descending order of population (according to official figures for 2006 ):Administrative division
Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship is divided into 14 counties (powiatPowiat
A powiat is the second-level unit of local government and administration in Poland, equivalent to a county, district or prefecture in other countries. The term powiat is most often translated into English as "county", although other terms are also sometimes used...
s): 1 city county and 13 land counties. These are further divided into 102 gmina
Gmina
The gmina is the principal unit of administrative division of Poland at its lowest uniform level. It is often translated as "commune" or "municipality." As of 2010 there were 2,479 gminas throughout the country...
s.
The counties are listed in the following table (ordering within categories is by decreasing population).
| English and Polish names |
Area (km²) |
Population (2006) |
Seat | Other towns | Total gmina Gmina The gmina is the principal unit of administrative division of Poland at its lowest uniform level. It is often translated as "commune" or "municipality." As of 2010 there were 2,479 gminas throughout the country... s |
| City counties | |||||
| Kielce Kielce Kielce ) is a city in central Poland with 204,891 inhabitants . It is also the capital city of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship since 1999, previously in Kielce Voivodeship... |
110 | 207,718 | 1 | ||
| Land counties | |||||
| Kielce County Kielce County Kielce County is a unit of territorial administration and local government in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, south-central Poland. It came into being on January 1, 1999, as a result of the Polish local government reforms passed in 1998. Its administrative seat is the city of Kielce, although the... powiat kielecki |
2,247 | 198,581 | Kielce Kielce Kielce ) is a city in central Poland with 204,891 inhabitants . It is also the capital city of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship since 1999, previously in Kielce Voivodeship... * |
Chęciny Checiny Chęciny is a town in Kielce County, Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, Poland, with 4,252 inhabitants .The town is first mentioned in historical documents from 1275. It obtained its city charter in 1325. The most important sight in the town is the royal castle built in the late 13th or early 14th century... , Chmielnik Chmielnik Chmielnik is a town in Kielce County, Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, Poland. It has a population of 4,005 . Town's name is derived from hop .- History :... , Daleszyce Daleszyce Daleszyce is a town in Kielce County, Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, Poland, with 2,800 inhabitants . It became a town at the start of 2007.-External links:*... , Bodzentyn Bodzentyn Bodzentyn is a town in Kielce County, Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, Poland, with 2,271 inhabitants . Bodzentyn Castle was built in 14th century.-External links:*... |
19 |
| Ostrowiec County Ostrowiec County Ostrowiec County is a unit of territorial administration and local government in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, south-central Poland. It came into being on January 1, 1999, as a result of the Polish local government reforms passed in 1998. Its administrative seat and largest town is Ostrowiec... powiat ostrowiecki |
616 | 116,179 | Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski Ostrowiec Swietokrzyski Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski is a town in south-central Poland with 74,211 inhabitants .Main industry is metallurgy. Ostrowiec is the capital city of Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski County, part of Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship , previously it belonged to Kielce Voivodeship .- History:The oldest testimonies of... |
Ćmielów Cmielów Ćmielów is a town in Ostrowiec County, Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, Poland, seat of Gmina Ćmielów. It has 3,222 inhabitants . It is known for one of Poland's oldest porcelain factories dating back to 1790.The town history dates back to 14th century... , Kunów Kunów Kunów is a town in Ostrowiec County, Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, Poland, with 3,153 inhabitants .-External links:*... |
6 |
| Starachowice County Starachowice County Starachowice County is a unit of territorial administration and local government in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, south-central Poland. It came into being on January 1, 1999, as a result of the Polish local government reforms passed in 1998. Its administrative seat and largest town is Starachowice,... powiat starachowicki |
523 | 94,395 | Starachowice Starachowice Starachowice is a town in south-central Poland with 55,126 inhabitants . Starachowice is situated in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship ; it was formerly in the Kielce Voivodeship . It is the capital of Starachowice County... |
Wąchock Wachock Wąchock is a town in Starachowice County, Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, Poland, near Starachowice. In 2006, it had 2,777 inhabitants.- History :... |
5 |
| Jędrzejów County Jedrzejów County Jędrzejów County is a unit of territorial administration and local government in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, south-central Poland. It came into being on January 1, 1999, as a result of the Polish local government reforms passed in 1998. Its administrative seat and largest town is Jędrzejów, which... powiat jędrzejowski |
1,257 | 89,304 | Jędrzejów Jedrzejów Jędrzejów is a town in Poland, located in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, about 35 km southwest of Kielce. It is the capital of Jędrzejów County. It has 18,069 inhabitants .... |
Sędziszów Sedziszów Sędziszów is a town in Jędrzejów County, Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, Poland, with 6,830 inhabitants .Sędziszów train station is a stop for both the PKP intercity trains and their regional trains. The Broad Gauge Metallurgy Line also goes through Sędziszów.-External links:*... , Małogoszcz |
9 |
| Końskie County Konskie County Końskie County is a unit of territorial administration and local government in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, central Poland. It came into being on January 1, 1999, as a result of the Polish local government reforms passed in 1998. Its administrative seat and largest town is Końskie, which lies ... powiat konecki |
1,140 | 84,239 | Końskie Konskie Końskie is a town in central Poland with 20,328 inhabitants , situated in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship , previously in Kielce Voivodeship . Most of the town labour force was employed in the local foundry in the late 80s and early 90s... |
Stąporków Staporków Stąporków is a town with 6,200 inhabitants in Końskie County, Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, Poland.... |
8 |
| Sandomierz County Sandomierz County Sandomierz County is a unit of territorial administration and local government in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, south-central Poland. It came into being on January 1, 1999, as a result of the Polish local government reforms passed in 1998. Its administrative seat and largest town is Sandomierz,... powiat sandomierski |
676 | 81,733 | Sandomierz Sandomierz Sandomierz is a city in south-eastern Poland with 25,714 inhabitants . Situated in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship , previously in Tarnobrzeg Voivodeship . It is the capital of Sandomierz County . Sandomierz is known for its Old Town, a major tourist attraction... |
Koprzywnica Koprzywnica Koprzywnica is a town in Sandomierz County, Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, Poland, with 2,546 inhabitants .... , Zawichost Zawichost Zawichost is a small town in Sandomierz County, Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, Poland. It is located by the Vistula River in southern Poland, near Sandomierz.... |
9 |
| Skarżysko County Skarzysko County Skarżysko County is a unit of territorial administration and local government in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, south-central Poland. It came into being on January 1, 1999, as a result of the Polish local government reforms passed in 1998. Its administrative seat and largest town is... powiat skarżyski |
395 | 80,024 | Skarżysko-Kamienna Skarzysko-Kamienna Skarżysko-Kamienna is a town in northern Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship in Poland by Kamienna river, to the north of Świętokrzyskie Mountains; one of the voivodship's major towns... |
Suchedniów Suchedniów Suchedniów is a town in Skarżysko County, Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, Poland, with 9,067 inhabitants . It is the seat of the urban-rural district Gmina Suchedniów.... |
5 |
| Staszów County Staszów County Staszów County is a unit of territorial administration and local government in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, south-central Poland. It came into being on January 1, 1999, as a result of the Polish local government reforms passed in 1998. Its administrative seat and largest town is Staszów, which... powiat staszowski |
925 | 74,004 | Staszów Staszów Staszów is a town in Poland, in Świętokrzyskie Voivodship, about 54 km southeast of Kielce. It is the capital of Staszów County. Population is 15,108 .- Demography :... |
Połaniec, Osiek | 8 |
| Busko County Busko County Busko County is a unit of territorial administration and local government in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, south-central Poland. It came into being on January 1, 1999, as a result of the Polish local government reforms passed in 1998. Its administrative seat and only town is Busko-Zdrój, which lies... powiat buski |
967 | 73,940 | Busko-Zdrój Busko-Zdrój Busko-Zdrój is a town in Poland, in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship. It is the capital of Busko County. As of 2004, its population is 17,363.-History:... |
8 | |
| Opatów County Opatów County Opatów County is a unit of territorial administration and local government in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, south-central Poland. It came into being on January 1, 1999, as a result of the Polish local government reforms passed in 1998. Its administrative seat and largest town is Opatów, which lies ... powiat opatowski |
912 | 56,645 | Opatów Opatów Opatów is a town in Poland, in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship. It is the capital of Opatów County. Its population is 7,833 .Tourist attractions include a 12th century Collegiate Church of St... |
Ożarów Ozarów Ożarów is a town in Poland, in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, in Powiat of Opatów . It has 4,906 inhabitants and its largest employer is a large cement factory nearby. The cement factory was privatized in 1995 and a controlling stake in the company was purchased by Irish company CRH plc from HCP... |
8 |
| Włoszczowa County powiat włoszczowski |
906 | 47,137 | Włoszczowa | 6 | |
| Pińczów County Pinczów County Pińczów County is a unit of territorial administration and local government in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, south-central Poland. It came into being on January 1, 1999, as a result of the Polish local government reforms passed in 1998. Its administrative seat and largest town is Pińczów, which... powiat pińczowski |
611 | 42,127 | Pińczów Pinczów Pińczów is a town in Poland, in Świętokrzyskie Voivodship, about 40 km south of Kielce. It is the capital of Pińczów County. Population is 12,304 .-History:... |
Działoszyce | 5 |
| Kazimierza County Kazimierza County Kazimierza County is a unit of territorial administration and local government in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, south-central Poland. It came into being on January 1, 1999, as a result of the Polish local government reforms passed in 1998. Its administrative seat and largest town is Kazimierza... powiat kazimierski |
422 | 35,770 | Kazimierza Wielka Kazimierza Wielka Kazimierza Wielka is a town in Poland, in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, about 45 km northeast of Kraków. It is the administrative seat of Kazimierza County . Population is 5,848 .-Education:* * *... |
Skalbmierz Skalbmierz Skalbmierz is a town in south eastern Poland, in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, in Kazimierza County. It has 1,326 inhabitants .- History :First half of 12th century – Presumably Skalbmierz foundation... |
5 |
| * seat not part of the county | |||||
Protected areas
Protected areaProtected area
Protected areas are locations which receive protection because of their recognised natural, ecological and/or cultural values. There are several kinds of protected areas, which vary by level of protection depending on the enabling laws of each country or the regulations of the international...
s in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship include one National Park
National park
A national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or owns. Although individual nations designate their own national parks differently A national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or...
and nine Landscape Parks
Landscape Park (Poland)
A Landscape Park is the name given in Poland to a type of protected area, of lower status than a National Park and with less stringent restrictions on development and economic use....
. These are listed below.
- Świętokrzyski National ParkSwietokrzyski National ParkŚwiętokrzyski National Park is a National Park in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship in central Poland. It covers the highest ridge of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains – the Łysogory – with its two highest peaks: Łysica at and Łysa Góra at . It also covers the eastern part of the Klonowski...
- Chęciny-Kielce Landscape ParkCheciny-Kielce Landscape ParkChęciny-Kielce Landscape Park is a protected area in south-central Poland, established in 1996, covering an area of ....
- Cisów-Orłowiny Landscape Park
- Jeleniowska Landscape ParkJeleniowska Landscape ParkJeleniowska Landscape Park is a protected area in south-central Poland, covering an area of ....
- Kozubów Landscape ParkKozubów Landscape ParkKozubów Landscape Park is a protected area in south-central Poland, covering an area of ....
- Nida Landscape ParkNida Landscape ParkNida Landscape Park is a protected area in south-central Poland, established in 1986, covering an area of on the banks of the Nida river....
- Przedbórz Landscape ParkPrzedbórz Landscape ParkPrzedbórz Landscape Park is a protected area in central Poland, established in 1988, covering an area of ....
(partly in Łódź Voivodeship) - Sieradowice Landscape ParkSieradowice Landscape ParkSieradowice Landscape Park is a protected area in south-central Poland, covering an area of ....
- Suchedniów-Oblęgorek Landscape ParkSuchedniów-Oblegorek Landscape ParkSuchedniów-Oblęgorek Landscape Park is a protected area in south-central Poland, established in 1988, covering an area of ....
- Szaniec Landscape ParkSzaniec Landscape ParkSzaniec Landscape Park is a protected area in south-central Poland, covering an area of .The Park lies within Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship: in Busko County , Kielce County and Pińczów County ....
Most popular surnames in the region
- Nowak: 5,538
- WieczorekWieczorekWieczorek is one of the most common surnames in Poland, and the second most common in Opole Silesia and Swietokrzyskie .- Notable Wieczoreks :...
: 2,654 - MazurMazurMazur can refer to:* Masurians or Mazurs, a Slavic ethnic group with historic origins in the Polish region of Masovia* Mazur , including a list of people so named* Mazur , a traditional Polish folk dance...
: 2,512
See also
- Second Polish RepublicSecond Polish RepublicThe Second Polish Republic, Second Commonwealth of Poland or interwar Poland refers to Poland between the two world wars; a period in Polish history in which Poland was restored as an independent state. Officially known as the Republic of Poland or the Commonwealth of Poland , the Polish state was...
’s Kielce Voivodeship (1919–1939) - Lesser Polish Way