Picture a quaint village nestled near Warsaw. This is Radość a place where history and tranquility intertwine. Established at the end of the 19th century it began as a small holiday village. Wealthy Warsaw residents built charming summer homes. These elegant villas reflected the local Swidermajer style. One such villa the Little Rooster Villa opened in 1912. It was owned by the renowned actor Antoni Fertner.
Radość’s name itself means joy. A fitting name for a place of summer escapes. It was originally called Maciorowe Bagno after nearby peatland. The name Radość however prevailed. Its joyful spirit attracted many visitors.
The area’s history stretches back further. In the 15th century the villages of Borków Zagórze and Zbójna Góra existed. These villages later merged with Radość. In the early 20th century Nowy Miedzeszyn was also established nearby.
Transportation played a role in Radość’s development. In 1906 the Warszawa Radość railway station opened. It was part of the Vistula Railway line. This improved access to Warsaw fueling Radość’s growth. Two narrow-gauge railway stations were also added later on. They were part of the Jabłonna Railway line. These stations enhanced Radość’s connectivity.
Religious life flourished. The Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Angels was built between 1922 and 1931. The Radość Cemetery opened in 1932. A Jewish cemetery also existed until 1937. These religious sites served the community’s spiritual needs.
World War II impacted Radość. A Polish Workers’ Party radio communication station operated here. After the war Radość transitioned from a holiday village to a residential area. In 1951 it officially became part of Warsaw. It retained much of its charm and character though.
Today Radość is a residential area with single-family homes. Its unique history is evident in the architecture. The Warszawa Radość railway station rebuilt in 1936 is a modernist landmark. The Little Rooster Villa and the Lodusieńska Villa are examples of Swidermajer style homes. These structures embody Radość’s rich past. They stand as testaments to its evolution from a summer getaway to a thriving part of Warsaw. Explore its quiet streets and imagine the lives that unfolded here. You’ll find joy in Radość’s story.