Slipping beneath the radar of Warsaw’s bustling city life sits the Opuszczony basen na terenie AON. This abandoned swimming pool whispers tales of a bygone era. The Opuszczony basen na terenie AON, once a vibrant hub, now stands silent. It’s a poignant reminder of the ever-shifting tides of history. The pool itself was built around 1936. Architects Romuald Gutt and Aleksander Sznolis designed the pool and changing rooms. Imagine the laughter and splashes echoing across the grounds. The original complex included the open-air pool and sanitary facilities with showers.
After the upheaval of World War II, the Opuszczony basen na terenie AON was lengthened. It served the residents of the military housing complex. Unofficially, it was also a popular spot for the rest of Rembertów. This continued for many years. The pool became a community gathering place. It provided a welcome respite from the summer heat. After 1989, there was a push to transform the area into a full-fledged recreation center. However, this dream never materialized.
The Opuszczony basen na terenie AON is located on the grounds of what was once the National Defence University of Warsaw (Akademia Obrony Narodowej or AON). This institution has a rich history. It traces its roots back to the Szkoła Rycerska (School of Knights), founded in 1765 by King Stanisław August Poniatowski. The AON itself was established in 1990, succeeding the General Staff Academy. The university offered a wide array of programs. These included studies in national security, economics, logistics, management, and history. It also hosted advanced courses for military personnel and postgraduate studies for civilians.
Interestingly, before World War II, a grotto containing a statue of the Virgin Mary stood near the Opuszczony basen na terenie AON. It served as a quiet place for reflection. This detail adds another layer to the complex history of this site. After the war, however, the statue was removed. The reasons behind its removal remain a mystery. This adds to the intrigue surrounding the abandoned pool. The Opuszczony basen na terenie AON stands as a silent testament to change. It offers a glimpse into the past. The pool, the university, and even the missing statue all contribute to the layered narrative of this unique location. The Opuszczony basen na terenie AON now lies abandoned and decaying. It leaves us to ponder the echoes of laughter and the stories that remain untold.