Saska Kępa

All you want to know about Saska Kępa

Saska Kępa is a neighbourhood in Warsaw, Poland, currently part of Praga Południe district. It is a seat of Park Skaryszewski

History

In the 17th century one of areas of present Praga Południe was turned into a military camp. In the 18th century part of the area was named Saska Kępa (literally Saxon Rise) after the Saxon Guards of the Kings of Poland stationed there.

However, until the early 20th century the area retained its rural character. The area officially became a part of Warsaw in 1916. It soon became one of fastest-growing areas of Warsaw and Saska Kępa became its centre. In 1920's and 1930's it became one of the most popular villa areas of the Warsaw's middle class.

During and after World War II the borough was not destroyed. Despite several plans, it was not industrialised either, which allowed the district to retain much of its original, quiet and peaceful character. It has historically housed many embassies and consulates of foreign nations, nestled among streets named "French", "Parisian", "English", "Mexican", "Dutch", "Angolan", "Brazilian", "Estonian", "Finish", "International", and others named after continents, nations, and prominent cities.

Currently

French Street (Francuska) is the main commercial street, lined with shops and restaurants. There are plans to close off the street to most traffic and enhance the pedestrian atmosphere.^{[citation needed]}

The "front door" to the district is George Washington Circle (Rondo Waszyngtona), which links the district to Warszawa-Śródmieście via road, tram, and bus. On the other side of the Circle is Europe Bazaar (Jarmark Europa), one of the largest open air bazaars in the world, spread around and within the tiers of an abandoned stadium (10th-Anniversary Stadium). It is a major trading hub for goods from the East, with many merchants from former Soviet republics, Vietnam, and Korea. While residents from the district and the city in general take advantage of the cheap prices and variety of goods (including many counterfeit CDs and DVDs) , many worry that the bazaar brings crime and disorder. The Polish Government plans to close the Bazaar and begin work on a new National Stadium in 2007.

Currently there are several new areas with luxurious blocks of flats complexes in the area, but the authorities do not plan to construct more houses and want the character to be preserved. Many of the older homes have been repainted and remodeled in the late '90's and early '00's to resemble the pre-WWII character of the district.