Population: Town of Bircza: 937; Entire municipality: 6,111
Area: Town of Bircza: 5 sq km; Entire municipality: 254 sq km
State/Province: Podkarpackie Province
Weather: Temperate continental climate with warm summers and cold winters
Languages: Polish
Diaspora / Communities: Historically a multicultural region with significant Polish, Ukrainian and Jewish roots. Today it is predominantly Polish
Neighboring cities/countries: Bircza is located near the borders with Ukraine and Slovakia. Neighboring larger cities include Przemyśl, Sanok and Rzeszów
Main Industries:
- Forestry
- Timber production
- Wood processing
- Agriculture
- Agritourism
- Small local businesses
Education
- Primary Schools: Two public schools and one private school
- Colleges/Universities: 0
The extent of government interest in and support for city pairing
The local government strongly supports international cooperation and actively seeks partnerships to promote local tourism and historical heritage. We are interested in establishing long-term international cooperation.
The extent of private groups / organizations interest
Local non-governmental organizations and community groups are highly enthusiastic about the idea of city pairing. Cultural associations, Rural Women’s Associations, volunteer fire brigades, sports clubs, Caritas charity organization are actively interested in cultural exchanges and regional development.
Awards / Recognitions
Bircza Municipality is a place of dynamic growth and well-planned investments at both the regional and national levels. The numerous awards confirm the strong commitment of the local government and residents to preserving local history, maintaining beautiful surroundings, and continuously improving the quality of life in the community.
- Bircza received second place in the “Beautiful Subcarpathian Village” competition. The local area was appreciated for its clean public spaces and the involvement of local residents in creating a friendly and well-maintained place to live.
- The municipality also received the title of “Bronze Local Government Investment Leader” for successfully carrying out projects that improve infrastructure, support residents, and make the region more attractive.
- Bircza won first place for “Revitalization of the Year” at the Subcarpathian Local Government Awards. This prize proves how successfully the community renews public spaces and creates areas for relaxation, all while maintaining its historical character.
- One of the most significant moments in the history of Bircza was the awarding of the Order of the Cross of Grunwald, 3rd Class, in 1976. The distinction honored the heroism and determination of the residents during defensive battles and events related to the difficult history of the region after World War II. This decoration is an important symbol of courage, perseverance, and attachment of the residents to their homeland.
What spurred interest for city pairing?
Bircza regained its town status in 2024. Since then we want to expand our international horizons. As a town with a rich history we aim to share and promote our local heritage.
Establishing a sister city partnership is seen by us as an important element of our growth. We want to develop our international cooperation through the implementation of historical and educational projects. One of our aims is to create, a memorial site in the village of Sufczyna dedicated to the events of December 2, 1944, when the American B-24J Liberator bomber ”Ditney Hill” crashed in the forests near Bircza while participating in air operations over Europe during the final phase of World War
II. The project aims to commemorate both the air disaster and the tragic fate of the crew, particularly the co-pilot, Lieutenant Joseph J. Gorczyca, the son of Polish immigrants in the United States. To this day, his fate remains unknown. He was last seen parachuting from the damaged aircraft. Despite the passage of time and numerous historical investigations, it has not been possible to determine conclusively what happened to him after landing in the area of military operations. The planned memorial site in Sufczyna is intended to serve as a place for reflection and historical education. It will remind visitors of the dramatic realities of the war, the fate of Allied airmen and the complex situation of the region in 1944. At the same time, the project aims to foster cooperation and dialogue between local communities and foreign partners, especially with the United States, through collaborative commemorative initiatives and the exchange of historical knowledge. All these small steps create opportunities for friendship, cultural exchange and sharing of Polish hospitality.
What does your city have to offer a potential Sister City?
Bircza is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the Przemyśl Foothills. Vast forests, quiet stream valleys and peaceful landscapes create excellent conditions for tourism, recreation, and nature education. We have much to offer. We are especially proud of our nature trails, which are suitable for visitors of all ages and with varying levels of difficulty. One of the most remarkable place is Krępak Nature Trail, located in a reserve protecting old beech and fir forests. Walking through steep hills and deep valleys, visitors can admire wild Carpathian nature and the richness of local forests and wildlife. Another special place is called the Beaver Valley located in the village of Lipa. The place surrounded by ponds and wetlands is home to beavers and many bird species. It is a peaceful area, perfect for observing nature and enjoying silence. Łomna Nature Trail combines nature with the history of former inhabitants of these lands. It passes through beautiful forests and tells the story of a village that no longer exists. Wola Korzeniecka is a small village which offers one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the region. From there, you can admire the panorama of the Przemyśl Foothills.
The area is also connected with the events of September 1939 and reminds visitors of the courage and sacrifice of Polish soldiers defending their homeland. In the village of Stara Bircza, there is also the Forest Education Center—a modern facility where visitors can learn about nature, forests, and the importance of wood in everyday life. It is a space created for learning, community meetings and discovering nature in an engaging and inspiring way. In the center of Bircza, there is the Humnicki Palace surrounded by a park where old trees and beautiful historic architecture create a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for walks and relaxation. It is a place where visitors can feel the spirit of the past. At the very heart of the town is the lively market square, which serves as a meeting place for local residents. The atmosphere of a small Galician town has been preserved here. In the square there is also a monument dedicated to the defenders of Bircza, honoring the residents and soldiers who defended the town during the attacks carried out by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) between 1944 and 1947.
It is an important memorial that reminds people of the difficult history of the region and the courage of those who protected their homes and families. The town is also enriched by the modern recreation complex. It offers swimming pools, relaxation areas, sports facilities, an Orlik football field, an outdoor gym, playgrounds, multifunctional sports grounds, and running tracks. It is a perfect place for active recreation, family time, and community meetings surrounded by nature. Bircza is also known for its rich cultural and religious heritage. Many historic churches and sacred monuments can be found here, reflecting the long history of the region.
In Bircza there is a church and presbytery complex with a brick church built between 1921 and 1926. In nearby villages there are also former Orthodox churches that today serve as Catholic churches. The people of Bircza care deeply about preserving historical memory and local heritage. Across the commune there are many memorial sites where patriotic ceremonies are regularly held, connecting the past with the present and honoring the people connected to this land. One such place is the monument in Huta Brzuska, which is also the burial site of 14 soldiers of the Polish Army who died defending their homeland on 24 July 1946. For many years their graves were forgotten, but in 2022 they finally received a dignified burial after 76 years. This event became an important symbol of remembrance and respect for the defenders of Poland. The tragic history of Borownica is also remembered by local residents, where in 1945 UPA units carried out a massacre of the civilian population, leading to the deaths of all its inhabitants. It is one of the most dramatic events in the history of the region. A significant event commemorating the history of the region was also the reconstruction of the defense of Bircza, organized in January 2026 on the 80th anniversary of those events. The reconstruction showed how the battle looked and brought those dramatic moments closer to residents and guests.
At the same time, it helped to keep history alive and encouraged different generations to think about the past. Bircza continues to preserve the memory of the difficult historical events connected with the three attacks carried out by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) on the town and its surrounding. Thanks to the consistency and commitment of the local residents and community organizations, the memory of the defenders of Bircza has been clearly restored and prominently displayed again in public spaces in recent years. An important symbol of this effort was the restoration of the plaque commemorating the defenders of Bircza at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw, in 2026, which became a significant gesture of nationwide recognition for their sacrifice. Overall, Bircza offers a unique combination of nature, history, culture, hospitality, and community engagement.
Other areas the city is willing to pursue
These areas include tourism, education and business development.
Thematic Interests Bircza is interested in:
- Virtual cultural exchanges, festivals and activities
- Organizing global travel exchanges
- Youth/student exchange programs
- Supporting developing communities
- Humanitarian projects
- Economic partnerships / business development / trade delegations
- Virtual classroom partnerships
- Municipal governance exchanges
- Hosting Annual/regional conference
Geographic & Regional Interests
Top three US States of interest:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
Geographic interests (e.g., mountain/coastal towns): Mountains, canyons, national parks, towns
Any specific cities previously researched? / Why do these particular cities stand out? None in particular
Primary Contacts
Name: Anna Szymaszek
Phone: 889641001
Email: [email protected]
Secondary Contacts
Name: Kinga Kopczak
Phone: 794980393
Email: [email protected]
Organization: Bircza Municipality