Did you know that Rembertów was once its own town? It existed independently from 1939 to 1957. Today Rembertów is a district of Warsaw. It sits on the city’s east side.
Let’s explore Rembertów. It’s a place with a unique past. It even briefly regained independence between 1994 and 2002. During this time it was known as Warszawa-Rembertów.
The name Rembertów likely came about in the 15th or 16th century. However other theories link it to a later time. One theory suggests it honors Fyodor Wilhelm Rembert von Berg. He was the last namiestnik of the Kingdom of Poland. He had Rembert as one of his given names.
In 1866 a railway station opened here. It was on the Warsaw-Terespol line. Around 1888 the Russians built an artillery training ground. A settlement then grew near this training area. By 1905 Rembertów had just 7 buildings. Only 44 permanent residents lived here. It was part of the Okuniew commune back then.
After Poland regained independence military units moved into the Russian barracks. During the Polish-Soviet War the headquarters of a division was located here. In 1921 Rembertów grew to 119 houses and 1375 residents. Ammunition Factory number 2 was established in the 1920s. Also the Infantry Training Center of Experience was founded.
Rembertów officially became a town on April 1 1939. About 24000 people called it home. Several settlements were included in the new town such as Magenta and Kawęczyn.
During World War II German forces occupied Rembertów on September 14 1939. The Germans established a ghetto in 1940. In 1942 its Jewish residents were sent to the Treblinka extermination camp. Memorial plaques commemorate these tragic events.
The Germans also created four labor camps in Rembertów. These camps held Poles Jewish citizens and Soviet prisoners. Later the NKVD used a former German labor camp for AK and NSZ soldiers.
After 1945 Rembertów had about 13500 residents. A Soviet Army base was here during the PRL era. This base protected military transit to East Germany. The last Russian unit left Rembertów on September 17 1993.
In 1957 Rembertów became part of Warsaw. It joined the Praga-Południe district. A popular clothing bazaar moved here in 1973. About 17000 people lived in Rembertów in 1970.
Today Rembertów is one of Warsaw’s 18 districts. It has a low population density and plenty of green space. Forests cover over 30% of the district. The Kawęczyn Forest Reserve is located here. You can reach Rembertów by bus or train. The Warszawa Rembertów station serves the area.
Rembertów offers a blend of history nature and quiet charm. It is a unique part of Warsaw. Its story reflects Poland’s complex past.