Explore Galicia Poland

Where is Galicia, Poland?

Before we begin talking about the history of Galica, let’s look at its geographical position - whichever map of Galicia you run into. 

So, where is or rather - where was Galicia? 

Historical maps of Poland will show you how the country has changed through time, and maps of Galicia will differ depending on the country reigning over it. Nowadays, Galicia or Galicia Poland is referred to as Polish land that has been under Austrian rule. Note that there is also a Ukrainian part of Galicia.

You will find Galicia spelled as Galicja, Galicija, Galizia… It is important to mention that, not that far away in Europe, there is a region of Spain called Galicia, too. It is thought that the name for these lands comes from the Roman name for Gals, a Celtic tribe. 

Yet, apart from its name - each Galizia has a completely different story to tell.

 And Galicia Poland is a land that divides Central and Eastern Europe.

History of Galicia, Poland

Poland has been created and torn apart many, many times.

Yet one thing that Poles have managed to do is to keep their language and traditions together, with only mild differences as you move around the map of Poland. Well, at least in comparison to other countries that have served a similar destiny. Galicia, however, is known for its cultural diversities. 

The land of Galicia, Poland, was first known to be occupied by the Celts, and then my Slavic majority, as a result of the migration of the Slavs which happened around 6th century A.D. 

As Polish Slavs got together and soon created a Polish kingdom of their own, the territory represented a type of border among Slavic nations. Then, the dynasty of Rurikid formed a principality there in the 12th century. Towards the end of the 14th century, the Polish Kingdom and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (later to be united as Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth) took control over the territory, only to lose in the partition of Poland, which took place in the 18th century. That’s when the Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria was born, known for short as - Galicia. 

The Battle of Galicia which took place in the beginning of World War I, took Galicia away from the Austro-Hungarians and into the Russian hands. Then, once the war ended, Poland and Ukraine seized back control over the territory - one taking over West Galicia and the other East Galicia.

Galicia Poland Towns and People

When you take a walk in the towns such as Krakow, Lublin, Rzeszow, know that you are walking in the Galicia region of Poland. 

Galicia, Poland flag, at least those known by history, have been the flags of the countries ruling it. There is no one Galician language. There is no specific Galicia surname that will make it recognizable that someone is from Galicia Poland. 

Galicia Poland genealogy will show you how diverse this place is. With Poles, Ukrainians, Germans, Jews, Rusyns and many more nations and minorities living on the territory, it offers an interesting mix of culture, and religion. 

Galicia, Poland history has been affected by the rich as well as the poor, by Polish nobility in Galicia and by the nobility of other nations ruling over it. 

Just like Polish, Galicia history is a complicated one. 

So, if not physically, then at least online - do take a walk on the map of Galicia, Poland from Galicia Poland records - all while you warm yourself with a nice hot tea from one of our Polish mugs from our shop!