WALK 6: Nowa Huta

Plac Centralny Im. Reagana ,Kraków http://www.krakow.pl/english/instcbi/10257,inst,12286,1201,instcbi.html

About

In 1949, the communist government decided to establish a metallurgical plant and a new town within the fertile areas of the nearby villages of Pleszowa and Mogiła. Nowa Huta was meant to be the showcase of Poland to the world, and its clear urban layout and social-realist architecture relied upon models of local Renaissance and Baroque architecture, as well as the American concept of the so-called "neighbour unit". Nowa Huta's trails encompass the most ancient history and modern times, as well as stretches of protected nature (Nowa Huta Meadows by Plac Centralny) and huge industry. Its history abounds with both tragic and – from today's perspective – comic elements. Nowa Huta was established on an area of over 30 locations which used to exist here previously. Their cultural heritage has been largely preserved, and there are manor houses, rural buildings, places of worship and necropolises. Among them is a 17th century Calvinist church in Łuczanowice, as well as the 17th century manor house of the Branicki family with a Renaissance storeroom designed by S. Gucci and a 19th century Badeni manor house in Branice, which today is a division of the Archaeological Museum in Krakow, presenting a wealth of local excavations. Coming back from Branice to the centre of Nowa Huta, it is worth taking a look at the mysterious, prehistoric Wanda Mound from the 7th or 8th century, from the top of which people can admire a unique panoramic view of the steel plant. Nearby is the most valuable monument of Nowa Huta: the 13th century Cistercian abbey. The most interesting and the most complete realisation of socialist-realist architecture in Nowa Huta is the Administrative Centre of the plant, which is also known as Doge Palace. On the other hand, Plac Centralny is a "history of architecture" of the last 50 years. Here, in close vicinity, we can view examples of socialist-realist structures, such as the building of the former "Światowid" cinema (today the seat of the Museum of the People's Republic of Poland). The representative Aleja Róż (Alley of Roses) used to feature a huge monument of Lenin, which was built in 1873 and dismantled in 1989. The Church of the Most Holy Heart of Jesus commemorates the dramatic events of April 1960 when inhabitants of Nowa Huta defending the cross clashed with police units. Nowa Huta's churches played an important role in the life of Karol Wojtyła, who in 1958 (when he became Bishop) showed special attention to the local inhabitants. Two decades later, these churches played a vital role in the establishment and operation of the "Solidarity" Independent Self-Governing Union and in demonstrations against the regime in the 1980s. It was here that assistance was provided to persecuted individuals. Apart from the remnants of Austrian forts, which are described in another part of this document, on the way back to Krakow it is also worthwhile to stop by the Museum of Polish Aviation, located in the area of the former Czyżyny airport. In 2010, the Museum was transferred to a new location, which attracts the attention of visitors through its unique form. Here, a unique collection of historic aircraft and engines is presented.