Treść

History of Dobra Council

Dobra Council is situated between the Stradomka River valley in the north and the highest peaks of Beskid Wyspowy (Island Beskids) in the south, which include Mt Mogielica, Mt Jasien, and Mt Cwilin. The village of Dobra, serving as the administrative capital, is located centrally in the Council area within the Lososina River Valley, adjacent to Mt Snieznica (1007 meters), Mt Cwilin (1071 meters), and Mt Lopien (951 meters). Additionally, a recently explored cave, Jaskinia Zbójnicka, can be found on the northern slope of Mt Lopien; it is approximately 380 meters long and serves as a natural habitat for rare species, including local bats.

Early Documentation

The village was first documented in 1361 as part of lands owned by the Ratcald family from Skrzydlna Village, who were pioneers in the colonization of the Beskids.

Cultural Influences

Over centuries, Dobra Council experienced influences from Volscian shepherds' migrations, leading to a unique cultural blend. The local population refers to themselves as "Lachs."

Ownership Changes

From the 15th to the 18th century, ownership of the village changed hands among several prominent families. By the end of the 18th century, it was owned by Stanislaw Malachowski, a participant in the May 3rd Constitution (the first written constitution in Europe and second worldwide after that of the USA), who transformed peasant servitude into a more liberal rent—a rare decision at that time. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Dobra hosted a small industrial estate comprising an oil refinery and woodwork factory. During WWII, under German occupation, the local woodwork factory produced special wood powder for high explosives.

Notable Attractions

Dobra features several notable attractions, including a wooden church from the 17th century, a Parish Museum, and a 34-meter high railway bridge—one of the tallest in Poland—located near a 19th-century railway station that remains in its original condition.

Skrzydlna Village

Skrzydlna is one of the oldest villages within Dobra Council, with its earliest records dating back to the 13th century. According to legend, St. Wojciech visited during his journey to Poland.

In the early 16th century, ownership of Skrzydlna transitioned to the Pieniazek family after being held by the Ratolds family for over three centuries. The village houses one of the oldest wooden churches in the area, distinguished by its unique brick presbytery.

Scenic Hiking Routes

The picturesque landscape features gentle hills in Pogórze to the north and significant mountains to the south, attracting tourists who enjoy hiking. Popular walking routes include:

• From Dobra to Mt Lopien and Mt Mogielica, returning via Cyrla Hill to Jurków.

• From Jurków village to Mt Cwilin with breathtaking views of Lososina River Valley and back through Gruszowiec village to Mt Snieznica.

• An unofficial walkway from Dobra village center to Kasina Wielka railway station.