Imagine, if you will a village swallowed by a city. That’s the story of Zbarż. It now exists as a locality within Warsaw’s Włochy borough. Once, Zbarż was a village with its own identity.
Let’s delve into the past of Zbarż. It was established in either the 13th or 14th century. Prince Bolesław IV of Warsaw granted it Magdeburg Law. This law gave the village certain rights and privileges. The Zbarski family called it home until 1528. Then Mazovia was annexed by Poland. The Babicki family took over the village.
A century later, they sold Zbarż to Jakub Hieronim Rozdrażewski. He was the voivode of Inowrocław. After 1886, the village began to disappear. Russian authorities built Fort VII Zbarż as part of the Warsaw Fortress. In 1938, parts of Zbarż joined Warsaw. The rest was incorporated in 1951.
Even today, traces of the past linger in Zbarż. A small pond called Staw Zbarski is located here. It offers a glimpse into the area’s natural history.
The pond Staw Zbarski is small. It is located near Wirażowa street. The S79 expressway is in its vicinity too. It is near an interchange connecting the road with Marynarska and Sasanki streets. The pond sits on an eminence. Its area is about 0.2727 hectares. The average depth is only 0.37 meters. The coastline stretches for 265 meters. A small park surrounds the pond. It is called “Zieleniec ze Stawem Zbarskim”.
Interestingly, the reservoir might be naturally formed. It sits in a relief depression. It was once part of the former village of Zbarż.
The pond is home to various plant species. These include Phragmites, Schoenoplectus lacustris, Typha latifolia, Ceratophyllum and Elodea canadensis. Willows grow near the reservoir. Mallards were spotted here in a 2004 study. Staw Zbarski was restored in 1998.
Fort VII “Zbarż” is another significant landmark. It is one of the outer forts of the Warsaw Fortress. Built between 1883 and 1908, it sits in Warsaw’s Włochy district. The fort was surrounded by a moat. Initially, it had a pentagon shape. After the fortress’s liquidation in 1909, it was partially demolished. Fortunately, the neck barracks remain. Today, they attract Warsaw divers.
The fort is often called “Zbarż”. This is because it was built on the village’s land. This single-shaft fort aimed to secure the fortress’s southern approaches. The area lacked natural obstacles.
Inside the fort, there are two water reservoirs. One is the moat. A concrete counterscarp caponier stands by it. It is one of the few remaining in Warsaw. The water is dark and unsuitable for diving. However, the flooded courtyard offers better conditions. Visibility can reach 4-5 meters.
Fort Zbarż offers some interesting underwater exploration. There are remains from the expressway construction. Fallen trees dot the landscape. The interiors of the neck barracks beckon. The barracks are shallow at 1.7 meters. But the visibility and brick walls compensate.
The courtyard’s center features an island with wall fragments. Divers can see the remains of an Omega class yacht and a well. Various items litter the bottom from household remains to military artifacts. Various fish and crustaceans inhabit the waters.
Neglect of the drainage system caused the flooding of the neck barracks. Construction may negatively affect the water level and quality. Despite this, Fort Zbarż has convenient access. There are four entry points for divers. Each allows a different diving route.
The barracks are fascinating. But their future is uncertain. It’s worth diving in the fort while you still can.
Zbarż has transformed over centuries. It evolved from a village to a fort, to a part of Warsaw. Its story reflects Poland’s complex history. As we leave Zbarż, remember its humble beginning and its surprising underwater allure.