Imagine stepping back in time to 1548 when King Sigismund I the Old granted town rights to Karczew. This marked a pivotal moment transforming it from a rural settlement into a burgeoning town. Karczew is an urban-rural gmina in Otwock County. It lies approximately 4 kilometres south of Otwock and 23 kilometres southeast of Warsaw.
Gmina Karczew covers an area of 81.49 square kilometres. The total population in 2006 was 15919. Karczew itself had a population of 10396. The rural part of the gmina was home to 5523 people.
Karczew’s history is rich and varied. It contains the villages and settlements of Brzezinka, Całowanie and Glinki. Also Janów, Kępa Nadbrzeska, Kosumce, Łukówiec, Nadbrzeż, Ostrówek, Ostrówiec, Otwock Mały and Otwock Wielki are part of it. Furthermore, Piotrowice, Sobiekursk, Władysławów and Wygoda belong to Gmina Karczew.
Karczew played a role during World War II. German troops captured Karczew. They carried out a massacre of 75 Poles in 1939. Three Poles from Karczew were murdered in the Katyn massacre in 1940.
Karczew experienced both prosperity and destruction. After World War II Karczew gained the status of a settlement in 1958. In 1959 it again received the status of a town.
Karczew’s story involves battles and strategic importance. In 1809 after the Austrians occupied Warsaw the Karczew region became a military area. Polish troops secured a bridgehead. This prevented enemy forces from crossing the Vistula.
Karczew was caught in the turmoil of the November Uprising in 1831. Polish forces initially occupied the town. They withdrew due to Russian pressure. The town was later recaptured. Karczew suffered significant damage during these conflicts.
Karczew played a vital role during World War II. It became a major source of meat for Warsaw. Meat was smuggled to the occupied capital via the Jabłonowska railway.
Gmina Karczew borders several towns and gminas. These include the town of Otwock and the gminas of Celestynów and Góra Kalwaria. Also Konstancin-Jeziorna, Sobienie-Jeziory and Wiązowna are its neighbours.
Karczew granted town rights in 1548 played a part in the Warsaw Agglomeration. It is a vibrant community with a rich history. Karczew continues to evolve while cherishing its heritage.