Is it possible that a place can shed its rural skin to embrace modernity? Here in Warsaw stands Chrzanów. It is a neighborhood within the Bemowo district with a compelling story. Chrzanów has transformed dramatically over the centuries.
Let’s step back to 1448. Duke Bolesław IV of Warsaw granted Chrzanów the privileges of Kulm law. Stanisław Chrzanowski was noted as the village owner. Its history became entwined with Macierzysz. The Chrzanowski noble family called this village home. Chrzanów sat near today’s Połczyńska Street. It was south of Górcze and Groty.
Interestingly, Chrzanów went by different names. In 1512, it was Macierzysz Mały or Little Macierzysz. By 1521, it was Chrzanów inaczej w Mniejszym Macierzyszu, meaning Chrzanów also known as Smaller Macierzysz. From 1526, it became Chrzanowo, later Macierzysz-Chrzanowo. The 19th century brought the name we know today: Chrzanów.
In 1827, Chrzanów was small. Only 84 people lived in 17 houses. It formed part of the gmina or municipality of Blizne.
Around 1877, a new settlement emerged. Fifteen German settlers established Nowy Chrzanów or New Chrzanów near modern Okrętowa Street. Between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Mory became a folwark-type settlement in Chrzanów. The Warsaw Garden Association held a contest in 1913 to design the settlement’s street plan. Mory became home to an experimental research facility. It also housed a gardening school complete with an arboretum.
Between 1883 and 1890, Fort IV “Chrzanów” arose. It was part of the Warsaw Fortress fortifications built by the Russian Empire. In 1909, the fortress faced decommissioning. High maintenance costs led to this decision. Fort V was partially demolished in 1913. It became a magazine. Today, the building stands in ruins.
In September 1939, war raged. The 360th Infantry Regiment defended its ground against Nazi Germany at Fort IV. The area eventually fell. However, on September 18, 1939, Polish forces under Leopold Okulicki recaptured Nowy Chrzanów. The village remained under Polish control until Warsaw’s capitulation on September 28, 1939.
Chrzanów joined Warsaw on May 14, 1951. It became part of the Wola district. It remained so until 1990. Then, the gmina of Warsaw-Wola replaced it. In 1994, Jelonki was incorporated into the gmina of Warsaw-Bemowo. The gmina of Warsaw-Bemowo dissolved in 2002. It was replaced by the district of Bemowo.
Before 2005, Chrzanów retained a rural feel. Low-rise family houses and farmlands dominated. From 2006, the area attracted investments. Large residential estates with modern apartment buildings sprung up. By 2016, estimates suggested 12,000 apartments would be built. This would house over 30,000 people.
Current plans dictate development. Apartment buildings will occupy the northern part. Single-family housing will populate the southern part.
In 2018, a decision was made to build two metro stations on the M2 line in Chrzanów. One station named Chrzanów, will sit at the intersection of Szeligowskiej and Rayskiego Streets. The other, Karolin, will be at Sochaczewska and Połczyńska Streets, near the historical settlement of Mory. Preparation for construction started in 2022. The stations are scheduled to open in 2026.
Chrzanów offers bus connections throughout Warsaw. It also lies near expressway S8 and national road 92. The neighborhood is transforming before our eyes. From a noble village to a modern residential hub, Chrzanów continues to evolve. The echoes of its past whisper amid the construction of its future.