Saska Kępa

Saska Kępa (Polish pronunciation: [ˈsaska ˈkɛmpa]) 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", "London", "Mexican", "Dutch", "Angolan", "Brazilian", "Estonian", "Finish", "Czech", "Angoran", "Indian", Brusselian", "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.

The "front door" to the district is George Washington Roundabout (Rondo Waszyngtona), which links the district to Warszawa-Śródmieście via road, tram, and bus. On the other side of the roundabout is the site of where the 10th Anniversary Stadium once stood. The site is currently undergoing redevelopment to become the Polish National Stadium.

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.

Famous people

• Tadeusz Baird - composer
• Miron Białoszewski - poet, novelist, playwright and actor
• Stanisław Bułak-Bałachowicz - Polish-Belarusian general, veteran of World War I, Russian Civil War, Polish-Bolshevik War and Polish Defensive War
• Jan Cybis - painter
• Katarzyna Figura - actress
• Józef Gosławski - sculptor and medallic artist
• Helena Gruszecka - actress of stage, radio and film
• Konrad Guderski - the organizer and commander of the defense of the Polish Post Office in Danzig
• Tadeusz Kutrzeba - general of the Second Polish Republic
• Witold Lutosławski - composer
• Waldemar Łysiak - writer, art historian and journalist
• Agnieszka Osiecka - poet and songwriter
• Jan Parandowski - writer, essayist, and translator
• Jan Rokita - liberal-conservative politician, a member of Sejm, the lower chamber of the Polish parliament, and chairman of the parliamentary club of Platforma Obywatelska (Citizens' Platform)
• Krzysztof Skowroński - journalist and the director of Program 3 in Polish Radio
• Stanisław Sojka - jazz and pop singer/songwriter
• Stefan Wiechecki ("Wiech") - writer