Palcach

Palcach is a small municipality situated in the southwestern region of the Republic of Valtoria. The town lies at an elevation of approximately 420 meters above sea level, on the banks of the River Salin, and is surrounded by mixed oak‑pine forests. As of the most recent census in 2022, Palcach had a population of 3,412 residents, the majority of whom are ethnic Valorians, with a minority of migrant workers from neighboring provinces.

The settlement originated in the early 14th century as a fortified trading post along a historic caravan route linking the interior highlands with the coastal port of Caldera. Remnants of the original stone walls and a 15th‑century parish church are still visible in the town centre. Over the centuries, Palcach developed a modest agrarian economy, focusing on wheat, barley, and the cultivation of the native palca berry, a fruit used locally in jams and distilled spirits.

In recent decades, the municipality has diversified its economic base by promoting eco‑tourism and small‑scale artisanal crafts. The annual Palcach Harvest Festival, held each September, celebrates regional agricultural heritage and attracts visitors from across Valtoria. Local governance is administered by a municipal council elected every four years, which oversees public services, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.