Journey back in time to the early 20th century when we talk about Annopol. It is more than just a tram terminus. It’s a place with a unique story.
Annopol sits in Warsaw’s Białołęka district. Many Warsaw residents recognize Annopol as a tram stop. It is also known as an industrial center. But there is more to Annopol than meets the eye.
Let’s rewind to the late 19th century. The Marywil farm stood here. A fortress rose on this land. It was called Fort XIV Marywil or Pelcowizna. Its mission was to protect the Vistula River route.
Fast forward to January 31, 1909. The fort was decommissioned. By the summer of 1913, it was gone. It was one of the few fortresses completely destroyed.
In 1919, construction of a canal began north of the fort. It was finished after World War II. It became known as the Żerański Canal. This canal could accommodate 1350-ton barges. This boosted the industrial development of Annopol.
In 1927, a housing estate was built for canal construction workers. This area became known as Annopol. Imagine the bustling activity as workers built their homes.
The 1950s saw even more industrial growth. The first Warsaw CHP plant was built. A concrete elements factory and a cement mill also appeared. Annopol transformed into an industrial hub.
Today, Żerań Park and Żerań Park II are home to warehouses and offices. Even Coca-Cola has its Polish headquarters on Annapol Street. This shows how Annopol continues to be a place of business and industry.
Annopol became part of Warsaw in 1951. It was initially part of the Praga-Północ district. Now, it is part of the Białołęka district.
Annopol also provided housing for the unemployed and homeless. This settlement started in 1927. It grew until 1933. It became the largest of its kind in Warsaw. 810 families lived in 41 barracks. That’s 3329 people. The settlement had a water supply and gas lamps. There was even a wooden church, St. Mary Magdalene.
The heart of the settlement was Annopolski Square. Inowłodzka was one of the main streets. By 1938, about 11 to 12 thousand people lived in 113 barracks.
In 1944, fighting during the Praga battles partially destroyed the settlement. It was torn down in the 1950s. The last barracks were removed in 1968. This was during the construction of a housing estate in Bródno.
In 2024, Tramwaje Warszawskie opened its fifth tram depot in Annopol. This was the first new depot in Warsaw since the 1960s.
So, next time you pass through Annopol, remember its layered history. From fortress to housing estate to industrial center, Annopol has played many roles. It’s a testament to Warsaw’s ever-evolving story.