Population: 19,552
Area: 140.2 km²
Density: Approximately 139 people per km²
Climate: Moderate continental climate; warm summers (25-25°C), cold winters (-5-0°C) with moderate rainfall throughout the year
Predominant Language: Polish
Diaspora populations/culturally distinct communities: Connections to the Polish diaspora in the U.S., Canada, and Western Europe. Strong regional identity within the Carpathian cultural area.
Neighboring cities/countries: Rzeszow (regional capital, ~30 km²); Krosno, Jaslo, Sanok (nearby cities); Slovakia (~70km²), Ukraine (~130km²).
Main Industries: Agriculture, light manufacturing, construction, retail and services, tourism
Education:
• Primary Schools: None in the municipality
• Colleges/Universities: None in the municipality, but close to several universities in Rzeszow
Tourist Attractions & Points of Interest
• WWII underground shelter tunnel
• Historic synagogue
• Czarnorzecko-Strzyzowski Landscape Park
• Dobrzechow Palace
• Market square and art gallery
• Annual events: Days of Strzyzow, Antique Market, concerts, and the CSI Equestrian Competition 2025 at the Maria Antonina Manor in Glinik Zaborowski
Community & Partnership Background
Government Support & Current Twinning:
• Active member of the European Charter of Rural Communities
• Existing twin town partneships: Kisvarda (Hungary), Bagnacavallo (Italy), Svidnik (Slovakia), and Tisno (Croatia)
• Hosted a major international event (July 2-6, 2026) bringing together ~200 residents from 27 EU countries
Private/Community Group Engagement
• Local schools
• NGOs
• Cultural centers (e.g., Dom Kultury “Sokol”)
• Senior clubs
• Volunteer associations
Awards & Recognitions
• Active participant in the international twinning projects
• Regional recognition for cultural programming and community development
• Membership in the European Charter of Rural Communities
Personal Testimony
We are a vibrant municipality combining tradition with development and have a strong civil society, rich heritage, and proven experience in EU-funded initiatives.
Pairing Interests & Objective
• Motivation: Spurred by positive outcomes from the European Charter of Rural Communities to strengthen civic participation, local identity, and intercultural dialogue.
• What the City Offers: Picturesque landscapes, cultural heritage, willingness to host and reciprocate visits, youth engagement programs, and an active educational/aritistic community.
• Other Focus Areas: Rural development strategies, artistic collaboration and residencies, virtual cultural exchanges, youth exchanges, sports programs, and municipal governance exchanges.
Selected Thematic Interests
• 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 conferences
Geographical & Regional Preferences
• Target U.S. Expansion: Currently collaborating exclusively within the EU; seeking to expand partnerships into the U.S.
• Top 3 U.S. States of Interest: Arizona, California, Texas
• Geographic Preferences: Flexible (cooperation is prioritized around shared goals and cultural alignment rather than terrain/geography)
• Specific U.S. Cities Researched: None researched yet.
• Recent International Activity (2025): Delegations participated in Erasmus+ and local project events in Luxembourg (Troisvierges), Italy (Bagnacavallo), the Czech Republic (Stary Poddvorov), and Slovakia (Svidnik).
• Factors to Avoid: Lack of capacity for sustained collaboration, low engagement from local authorities, and communication barriers.
• Logistical Notes: Reliable railway connections accessible from both Rzeszow and Krakow airports; established experience managing international delegations and conferences.
Primary Contact
Name: Agata Gadziala, Mayor
Phone: + 48 17 276 13 54
Email: [email protected]
Secondary Contact
Name: Monika Tecza
Phone: + 48 731 437 569
Email: [email protected]
Organization: Municipality of Strzyzow