Dziekanów Leśny

Tucked away in the heart of east-central Poland lies the quaint village of Dziekanów Leśny. Dziekanów Leśny rests within the administrative district of Gmina Łomianki, Warsaw West County, in the Masovian Voivodeship. It’s a village steeped in history, with a story that stretches back to the 19th century. Dziekanów Leśny began as a Mennonite settlement. This German and Dutch influence led to it being called Deutsch Dziekanow. This heritage is still palpable today, especially in the village’s serene cemetery. Established in the mid-19th century, the cemetery bears witness to the lives of the early settlers. While ravaged by time and neglect, it has seen a resurgence thanks to the Stowarzyszenie Nasze Łomianki and Kampinoski National Park. They’ve painstakingly restored the cemetery, uncovering numerous graves and headstones, and opened it to the public in 2014. Dziekanów Leśny also played a role in World War II. On July 6, 1943, the Polish Home Army launched an operation against the German-occupied dairy. Later, on September 18, 1944, an American B-17G bomber, “Do Zobaczenia,” crashed here while carrying aid to the Warsaw Uprising. Eight crew members perished, while two were captured. Today, Dziekanów Leśny offers a tranquil escape. Located near the Kampinos National Park, it provides access to hiking and cycling routes. The Southern Forest Trail and the main Kampinos Forest Trail both start from Dziekanów Leśny. And yet, despite its peaceful setting, Dziekanów Leśny continues to evolve. Between 2009 and 2012, a new Roman Catholic church was constructed, marking a new chapter in its history. Dziekanów Leśny truly offers a unique blend of history and nature.