Ursynów Escarpment

Ursynów () is a district of the city of Warsaw, Poland. It has an area of 43.79 km² (16.88 sq mi), and in 2023, it was inhabited by 149,775 people, making it the 5th most populous and 3rd largest district of the city. Located in its western part, it is its southernmost district, bordering Włochy to the west, Mokotów to the north, Wilanów, to the east, with its southern and part of western border forming the city boundary. There, it borders municipalities of Lesznowola in Piaseczno County, and Raszyn in Pruszków County. The district is dominated by residential areas, with its east predominantly featuring high-rise multifamily housing such as in neighbourhoods of Jary, and Stokłosy in central north, Imielin, Na Skraju, and West Ursynów in the northeast, and Natolin and Kabaty in the central east. The west is dominated by low-rise single-family housing with neighbourhoods of Dąbrówka, Grabów, Jeziorki, Pyry, and Wyczółki.

The district is home to the campus of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. It also houses the Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, and Centre for Advanced Materials and Technologies, the latter being one of the largest high tech research facilities in the country. Ursynów also features several urban parks such as John Paul II Park, Kozłowski Park, Przy Bażantarni Park, and Silent Unseen Park, as well as the Polish Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden and Powsin Centre for Biological Diversity Conservation, which gathers over 10,000 species of plants in its collection, including numerous exotic and rare examples. In the southwest is also located the Kabaty Woods, which with an area of 903 ha forms the largest forest in the city. There is also the Służewiec Horse Racing Track, which hosts Great Warsaw Race, the most prestigious horse race in Poland. Ursynów also features five stations of the Warsaw Metro

By the 9th century, the area was inhabited by the monks of the Order of Saint Benedict. In 1238, there was established the Catholic parish in Warsaw, centered around the St. Catherine Parish, which would later be replaced with its current building in 1848. By that time there was also present the village of Służew. In the following centuries, in the area were founded more farming communities. In 1776, there was constructed the Krasiński Palace, later rebuilt in 1860 in the Renaissance Revival. In 1939, in Ursynów was opened the Służewiec Horse Racing Track, then the largest and the most modern horse racing venue in Europe. Throughout the 1930s, a military base in the neighbourhood of Pyry and nearby Kabaty Woods, operated a military complex, which housed a branch of the Cipher Bureau responsible for deciphering German codes and messages. Its team was the first to decipher the coding of the Enigma machine in 1932, used by the German military, sharing their decryption techniques there with British and French intelligence agencies in 1939. During the Second World War, under the German occupation over 300 people were executed and buried in the Kabaty Woods. Between the 1950s and 1970s, around Nowoursynowska Street was developed the campus of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, in Ursynów were developed series of large multifamily neighbourhoods. In 1995, there were opened five stations of the Warsaw Metro.

Służew and Wyczółki were incorporated into Warsaw in 1938, while the rest of the modern district was incorporated in 1951. They originally became part of Mokotów, with the area being first separated into its own administrative unit, then the municipality of Warsaw-Ursynów, in 1994. In 2002, it was restructured into the district of Ursynów.

Toponomy

The name of , comes from the landed estate called as such by writer and statesman Julian Ursyn Niemcewicz after he settled there in the Krasiński Palace in 1822. He named it after his family's cognomen , which in turn came from Latin term meaning ''bear''. With addition of suffix ', it came to mean ''Ursyn's place''.Tadeusz S. Jaroszewski: ''Księga pałaców Warszawy''. Warsaw: Wydawnictwo Interpress, 1985, p. 67. ISBN 83-223-2047-7. (in Polish) It would eventually become a name for the entirety of the city district after it was founded in 1994.A. Gawryszewski:
Ludność Warszawy w XX wieku
'. Warsaw: Instytut Geografii i Przestrzennego Zagospodarowania PAN im. Stanisława Leszczyckiego, 2009, pp. 45–47. ISBN 978-83-61590-96-5. (in Polish)

History

Prehistory

Signs of human settlements from the Stone Age (4000 BCE to 2000 BCE), Bronze Age (3300 BCE to 1200 BCE), and the Lusatian culture (1300 BCE to 500 BCE) have been found in the area of Warsaw Escarpment and Służewiec Stream, currently corresponding to the neighbourhood of Stary Służew in Ursynów.

Middle Ages

By 1065, the area of the current neighbourhood of Stary Służew was inhabited by the Catholic monks of the Order of Saint Benedict. They also had there their missionary centre. In 1238, the Catholic St. Catherine Parish, was founded by duke Konrad I of Masovia, ruler of the Duchy of Masovia, and erected by bishop Paweł II of Bnin. It is the oldest parish within modern boundaries of Warsaw.Grzegorz Kalwarczyk: ''Przewodnik po parafiach i kościołach Archidiecezji warszawskiej'', vol. 2: ''Parafie warszawskie''. Warsaw: Oficyna Wydawniczo-Poligraficzna Adam, 2015, p. 364, ISBN 978-83-7821-118-1, OCLC 948875463. (in Polish)A. Sołtan-Lipska (editor): ''Służew i jego kościół''. Warsaw: Church of St. Catherine, 2013, p. 743. ISBN 978-83-938420-0-1. (in Polish) At the same time, nearby was also founded the Służew Old Cemetery.Karol Mórawski: ''Warszawskie cmentarze. Przewodnik historyczny''. Warsaw: PTTK Kraj, 1991, p. 87-90. ISBN 83-7005-333-5. (in Polish) Archaeological findings suggest, that before that, it was a place of worship of Slavic pagans, with signs of fire that burned constantly for several-hounded years.Maria Dąbrowska, Magdalena Bis, Wojciech Bis: "Badania archeologiczne kościoła św. Katarzyny i cmentarza na warszawskim Służewie", ''Ad Rem: Kwartalnik akademicki''. Warsaw: University of Warsaw, Międzywydziałowe Towarzystwo Naukowe Badań i Ochrony Swiatowego Dziedzictwa Kulturowego HUMANICA, 2012. ISSN 1899-0495. (in Polish) The information about the design and history of the first church remains unknown. In the 13th century, in its place was built a wooden church, which was later replaced by a brick building.Ewa Korpysz: "Przemiany w architekturze kościoła św. Katarzyny na Służewie", ''Ad Rem: kwartalnik akademicki''. Warsaw: University of Warsaw, Międzywydziałowe Towarzystwo Naukowe Badań i Ochrony Swiatowego Dziedzictwa Kulturowego HUMANICA, 2012. ISSN 1899-0495. (in Polish) The St. Catherine Church was later rebuilt again in 1742, and in 1848, in Romanesque Revival style.

By 1238, there is the area present the village of Służewo (later known as ''Służew''). It was placed near Sadurka river, and owned by the Catholic Order of Canon Regulars of St. Augustin from Czerwińsk nad Wisłą. In 1240, the village was acquired by duke Konrad I of Masovia, who then gifted it to his knight and count, Gotard of Służew, on 27 April 1245.Marta Piber-Zbieranowska: ''Służew średniowieczny''. Warsaw: Towarzystwo Naukowe Warszawskie, 2001, p. 145–150. ISBN 8390732858 (in Polish) His descendants became the Służewiecki family of the Radwan heraldic clan, who owned the estate until the 17th century.Józef Kazimierski, Ryszard Kołodziejczyk, Żanna Kormanowa, Halina Rostowska: ''Dzieje Mokotowa''. Warsaw: Państwowe Wydawnictwo Naukowe, 1972, p. 25–26.Marta Piber-Zbieranowska: ''Służew średniowieczny''. Warsaw: Towarzystwo Naukowe Warszawskie, 2001, p. 232–233. ISBN 8390732858 (in Polish)

In 1386, the village of Kabaty, a small farming community, was granted the Kulm law rights by duke Janusz I the Old, ruler of the Duchy of Warsaw. It was located at the edge of the Warsaw Escarpment, on a road connecting Warsaw and Czersk, within the central east part of the current district.Adam Wolff, Kazimierz Pacuski: ''Słownik historyczno-geograficzny Ziemi Warszawskiej w średniowieczu''. Warsaw: Instytut Historii PAN, 2013, p. 93. ISBN 978-83-63352-17-2. (in Polish)Jacek Krawczyk: ''Ursynów wczoraj i dziś''. Warsaw: Wydawnictwo Pagina, 2001, p. 30. ISBN 83-86351-37-3. (in Polish)Barbara Petrozolin-Skowrońska (editor): Encyklopedia Warszawy. Warsaw: Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN. 1994, p. 301. ISBN 9788301088361. (in Polish)

By the 15th century, in the area of modern Ursynów were present several more villages that formed farming communities. Most of them were owned and inhabited by petty nobility. This included Imielin in the central north,Adam Wolff, Kazimierz Pacuski: ''Słownik historyczno-geograficzny Ziemi Warszawskiej w średniowieczu''. Warsaw: Instytut Historii PAN, 2013, p. 87. ISBN 978-83-63352-17-2. (in Polish) Wyczółki in the north west,Adam Wolff, Kazimierz Pacuski: ''Słownik historyczno-geograficzny Ziemi Warszawskiej w średniowieczu''. Warsaw: Instytut Historii PAN, 2013, p. 325. ISBN 978-83-63352-17-2. (in Polish)Adolf Pawiński: ''Polska XVI wieku pod względem geograficzno-statystycznym'', vol. 5: ''Mazowsze'', Warsaw, 1895, p. 260. (in Polish) Wolica in the north east,Marta Piber: ''Służew średniowieczny''. Warsaw: Towarzystwo Naukowe Warszawskie, 2001, p. 203. ISBN 83-907328-5-8. (in Polish)Barbara Petrozolin-Skowrońska (editor): Encyklopedia Warszawy, vol 1. Warsaw: Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, 1994, p. 757. ISBN 9788301088361. (in Polish) and Jeziorki and Dąbrówka in the south east.Adam Wolff, Kazimierz Pacuski: ''Słownik historyczno-geograficzny Ziemi Warszawskiej w średniowieczu''. Warsaw: Instytut Historii PAN, 2013, p. 49. ISBN 978-83-63352-17-2. (in Polish)Adolf Pawiński: ''Polska XVI wieku pod względem geograficzno-statystycznym''. vol. 5: ''Mazowsze'', Warsaw, 1895, p. 273. (in Polish)Barbara Petrozolin-Skowrońska (editor): ''Encyklopedia Warszawy'', Warsaw: Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, 1994, p. 296, ISBN 83-01-08836-2. (in Polish) In 1445, Imielin was granted the Kulm law rights by duke Bolesław IV of Warsaw.Barbara Petrozolin-Skowrońska (editor): ''Encyklopedia Warszawy'', vol 1. Warsaw: Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, 1994, p. 275. ISBN 9788301088361. (in Polish) By 1528, near Kabaty was also present a small farming community of Moczydło.Barbara Petrozolin-Skowrońska (editor): ''Encyklopedia Warszawy''. Warsaw: Wydawnctwo Naukowe PWN, 1994, ISBN 83-01-08836-2. (in Polish)Witold Małcużyński: ''Rozwój terytorjalny miasta Warszawy'', Warsaw, 1900. (in Polish)Adolf Pawiński: ''Polska XVI wieku pod względem geograficzno-statystycznym'', vol. 5: ''Mazowsze''. Warsaw, 1895, p. 261. (in Polish)

Early modern period

In 1656, the villages of Jeziorki and Kabaty were destroyed by the army of the Swedish Empire, during the Siege of Warsaw in the Northern War.

In the 18th century, in the north and central west were founded villages of Grabów and Pyry.Barbara Petrozolin-Skowrońska (editor): ''Encyklopedia Warszawy'', vol 1. Warsaw: Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, 1994, p. 222. ISBN 9788301088361. (in Polish)Barbara Petrozolin-Skowrońska (editor): ''Encyklopedia Warszawy'', Warsaw: Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, 1994, p. 713. ISBN 83-01-08836-2. (in Polish)

In the 1720s, Kabaty and Moczydło were bought by Elżbieta Sieniawska, a noblewoman and landowner, who then incorporated them into the Wilanów Estate. In 1726, she also ordered the protection of the nearby Kabaty Woods from deforestation.Janusz Nowak: "Dobra wilanowskie za Elżbiety Sieniawskiej 1720–1729 w świetle archiwaliów Biblioteki Czartoryskich w Krakowie", ''Studia Wilanowskie'', no. 14. Warsaw, 2003, p. 53, ISSN 0137-7329. (in Polish) Additionally in 1731, the estate was expanded with Wolica being bought by nobleperson Maria Zofia Czartoryska.Kwiryna Handke: ''Dzieje Warszawy nazwami pisane''. Warsaw: Warsaw History Museum, 2011, p. 296, 322. ISBN 978-83-62189-08-3. (in Polish)

At the end of the 16th century, within the area of current Natolin and Wilanów Fields, king John III Sobieski established a designated royal area for animal hunting, as part of the nearby Wilanów Palace complex. In 1730, the estate owners, Maria Zofia Czartoryska and August Aleksander Czartoryski, leased it to king Augustus II the Strong, who turned it into a pheasantry. As such, the area became known as (Polish language, Polish for ''pheasantry''). It was designed in French Baroque architecture, French Baroque style, with pathways branching out away from the main building, similar to those in Palace of Versailles. In 1733, the property was returned to its owners.Małgorzata Szafrańska (editor): ''Królewskie ogrody w Polsce. Materiały sesji naukowej: Warszawa, 10-11 maja 2001 roku''. Warsaw: Towarzystwo Opieki nad Zabytkami, 2001, p. 227. . (in Polish)Wiesław Głębocki, Tadeusz Kobyłka: ''Pałace Warszawy''. Warsaw: Wydawnictwo Sport i Turystyka, 1991, p. 86. (in Polish) In 1780, Czartoryski began the construction of his residence, which later would become known as the Natolin Palace and Park Complex, Potocki Palace. The Neoclassical architecture, Neoclassical building was designed by a renowned contemporary architect Szymon Bogumił Zug, while the interior was designed by Vincenzo Brenna. It featured a distinctive half-open salon, with a view of the forest below the Warsaw Escarpment. Its construction was finished in 1782, and following Czartoryski's death the same year, it was inherited by his daughter, Elżbieta Izabela Lubomirska. In 1799, it became a wedding gift to her daughter Aleksandra Lubomirska and brother-in-law Stanisław Kostka Potocki, and in 1805, it was inherited by their son Aleksander Stanisław Potocki and his wife Anna Tyszkiewicz. In 1807, following the birth of their daughter, Natalia Potocka, the area was renamed after her to ''Natolin''.Tadeusz Stefan Jaroszewski, Waldemar Baraniewski: ''Pałace i dwory w okolicach Warszawy''. Warsaw:Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, 1992, p. 103–106. . (in Polish)Tadeusz Stefan Jaroszewski: ''The Book of Warsaw Palaces''. Interpress Publishers, 1985, p. 80–120. . The palace was rebuilt in 1808, with project by Chrystian Piotr Aigner, and again between 1834 and 1838, with project by Enrico Marconi. In 1892, it was inherited by the Branicki (Korczak), Branicki family. Currently, the palace is located in the district of Wilanów, next to the Ursynów border.

In 1776, in Służew was built the Krasiński Palace. It was commissioned by princess Elżbieta Izabela Lubomirska as a gift for her daughter Aleksandra Lubomirska, and son-in-law Stanisław Kostka Potocki, and was originally known as the ''Delight Palace''.Wiesław Głębocki, Tadeusz Kobyłka: ''Pałace Warszawy''. Warsaw: Wydawnictwo Sport i Turystyka, p. 52. ISBN 9788321728148. (in Polish)Marek Kwiatkowski: ''Architektura mieszkaniowa Warszawy''. Warsaw: Państwowy Instytut Wydawniczy, 1989, p. 216. ISBN 83-06-01427-8. (in Polish) In 1822, it became the property of Julian Ursyn Niemcewicz, who organized there a library collecting rare and valuable books. He renamed his estate after his family's cognomen to ''Ursynów'', which later inspired the name of the modern city district. The palace was rebuilt in 1860 in the Renaissance Revival style. In 1857, it was acquired by the Krasiński family. Its last owner, Edward Bernard Raczyński donated it to the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Public Education (Poland), Ministry of Religious Affairs and Public Education in 1921.

19th century

At the beginning of the 19th century, German people, German settlers began moving into Jeziorki. In 1864, they also founded nearby the village of Ludwinów, Warsaw, Ludwinów.Lech Królikowski: ''Ursynów wczoraj, dziś, jutro''. Warsaw, 2014, p. 49. (in Polish) In the second half of said century, near Grabów were also founded Krasnowola and Grabówek, Warsaw, Grabówek.

In 1821, in Służew was founded the Gucin residence owned by Stanisław Kostka Potocki. Between 1821 and 1830, around it was developed the garden complex of Gucin Grove. At the turn of the 19th century, there were also built catacombs.

Following the Abolition of serfdom in Poland, abolition of serfdom in 1864, the area of modern Ursynów was divided and incorporated into two municipalities, with the southern portion going to Falenty, and northern to Gmina Wilanów, Wilanów, with a small area southeast of Kabaty Woods, additionally becoming part of Jeziorna.

In the 1880s, near Służew was constructed the Fort VIII (Warsaw), Fort VIII, a part of the series of fortifications of the Warsaw Fortress, built around Warsaw by the Imperial Russian Army. It was decommissioned in 1909, and partially destroyed, including all its concrete structures.Józef Kazimierski, Ryszard Kołodziejczyk, Żanna Kormanowa, Halina Rostowska: ''Dzieje Mokotowa''. Warsaw: Państwowe Wydawnictwo Naukowe, 1972, p. 51. (in Polish)Lech Królikowski: Twierdza Warszawa, Warsaw: Bellona, 2002. ISBN 8311093563. (in Polish)

In 1898, alongside Puławska Street, Warsaw, Puławska Street were opened three narrow-gauge railway stations of the Piaseczno Narrow-gauge Railway, Grójec Commuter Railway, called Grabów Emilin, Warszawa Dąbrówka Wąskotorowa, and Warszawa Pyry. They were part of the line connecting Warszawa Mokotów railway station, Warszawa Mokotów and Nowe Miasto nad Pilicą. In 1903, there was also added Służewiec station. Warszawa Pyry was closed in 1969, while the rest of the line, was in 1971.Lech Królikowski: ''Ursynów wczoraj, dziś, jutro''. Warsaw: 2014, p 60. (in Polish)

In 1898, in Dąbrówka was opened a brickworks, brick factory, which used a nearby railway to export its products. In the 1910s, in the area was also founded a small settlement for its employees, which included a small primary school. The brickworks industry left behind numerous clay pits in the area, which were subsequently flooded, forming ponds.Barbara Petrozolin-Skowrońska (editor): ''Encyklopedia Warszawy, Warszawa'': Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, 1994, p. 212, ISBN 83-01-08836-2.

Interwar period

Between 1925 and 1939, 266 Puławska Street, was developed the Służewiec Horse Racing Track. Upon its opening, it became the largest and the most modern horse racing venue in Europe.''Encyklopedia Warszawy''. Warsaw: Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, 1994, p. 614. ISBN 83-01-08836-2. (in Polish) It begun hosting the Great Warsaw Race, the most prestigious horse race in Poland.

In 1934, near Gorzkiewki Street, was opened the Warszawa Okęcie railway station, Warszawa Okęcie railway station to serve the nearby Warsaw Chopin Airport. In 1936, at the crossing of Karczunkowska and Gogolińska Streets, was opened the Warszawa Jeziorki railway station, Warszawa Jeziorki station.

In the 1930s, at 8 Kajakowa Street in Pyry, and in the nearby Kabaty Woods was constructed the military complex of the Polish General Staff, General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, which, from 1937 to 1939, housed the branch of the Cipher Bureau responsible for deciphering German codes and messages.W. Kozaczuk: ''Enigma: How the German Machine Cipher Was Broken, and How It Was Read by the Allies in World War Two'', University Publications of America, 1984, p 43. A team of mathematicians employed by it, consisting of Marian Rejewski, Jerzy Różycki, and Henryk Zygalski, was the first to decipher coding of the Enigma machine in 1932, used by the German military. They continued their work and shared their decryption techniques there with British and French intelligence agencies in June 1939.Manuel Vázquez, Paz Jiménez–Seral. "Recovering the military Enigma using permutations—filling in the details of Rejewski's solution". ''Cryptologia'', no. 42 (2). Philadelphia, 4 March 2018, p. 106–134. doi:10.1080/01611194.2016.1257522. S2CID 4451333.Ralph Erskine: "The Poles Reveal their Secrets: Alastair Denniston's Account of the July 1939 Meeting at Pyry". ''Cryptologia'', no. 30 (4). Philadelphia, December 2006, p. 294–305. doi:10.1080/01611190600920944. S2CID 13410460. Currently, since 2002, it houses the Air Operations Centre and Air Component Command of the Polish Air Force. On 31 December 1938, the city of Warsaw bought the Kabaty Woods, and dedicated its portion to urban development.

On 27 September 1938, Służew and Wyczółki were incorporated into the city of Warsaw, becoming part of the district of Mokotów.
Rozporządzenie Rady Ministrów z dnia 22 września 1938 r. o przyłączeniu części gmin wiejskich Wilanów i Bródno w powiecie i województwie warszawskim do powiatów południowo-warszawskiego i prasko-warszawskiego w m. st. Warszawie.
' In: ''1938 Journal of Laws''. Warsaw. 1938. (in Polish)Marian Marek Drozdowski: ''Warszawiacy i ich miasto w latach Drugiej Rzeczypospolitej''. Warsaw: Wiedza Powszechna, 1973, p. 17. (in Polish)

In 1938, nuns of the Society of the Sacred Heart had settled in Grabów, where they set up a chapel near their house. In 1952, it became a parish church, and between 1990 and 1995, in its place was built the St. Sophie Barat Church.Grzegorz Kalwarczyk: ''Przewodnik po parafiach i kościołach Archidiecezji Warszawskiej'', vol. 2: '"Parafie warszawskie''. Warsaw: Oficyna Wydawniczo-Poligraficzna Adam, 2015, p. 648. ISBN 978-83-7821-118-1. (in Polish)

Second World War

On 1 September 1939, Nazi Germany Invasion of Poland, invaded Poland, beginning the Second World War. In the following weeks the invaders have captured villages surrounding Warsaw, and the city itself fell on 28 September.

Sometime between 13 and 17 November 1939, fifteen Polish people, Polish men were executed and buried by German officers in the Natolin Woods.Wojciech Karpieszuk: "Puszcza obok blokowiska", ''Gazeta Stołeczna'', 8 September 2023, p. 9. Warsaw: Wyborcza. (in Polish) Later, sometime between December 1939 and January 1940, according to the testimony of a witness, the occupant also executed and buried around 200 people in the Kabaty Woods. The location was a sight of mass execution at least five more times between 1941 and 1943, with the bodies of 110 victims being uncovered.

During the occupation, the Służewiec Horse Racing Track was used as an Runway, airstrip for fighter aircraft of the Luftwaffe, German Air Force. In July 1944, there were stationed between 600 and 800 soldiers. On 1 August 1944, on the first day of the Warsaw Uprising, it was attacked by the Polish resistance movement in World War II, Polish resistance partisans from the Carpathia Battalion of the Baszta Regiment Group.Lesław M. Bartelski: ''Mokotów 1944''. Warsaw: Wydawnictwo Ministerstwa Obrony Narodowej, 1986, p. 206–207. ISBN 83-11-07078-4. (in Polish) The attack was unsuccessful, with partisans experiencing heavy casualties. Later that day, in retaliation, the German forces executed there captured partisans and a group of civilians, that was rounded up in the nearby Służew.

Communist period

Between 1945 and 1947, near the St. Catherine Church, the Ministry of Public Security (Poland), Security Office had buried in unmarked graves bodies of political prisoners murdered in the Mokotów Prison. It is estimated that around two thousand people were buried there. The bodies were later exhumed and moved to the nearby Służew Old Cemetery. In 1993, there was unveiled the Monument to the 1944–1956 Communist Terror Martyrs, commemorating the victims.Irena Grzesiuk-Olszewska: ''Warszawska rzeźba pomnikowa''. Warsaw: Wydawnictwo Neriton, 2003, p. 178. ISBN 83-88973-59-2. (in Polish)

In 1945, Potocki Palace was nationalized, and placed under the administration of the Warsaw National Museum. It was renovated and turned into the official residence of the President of Poland, Bolesław Bierut. Later it was used by the Office of the Council of Ministers. In 1991, around 100 ha of the Natolin Palace and Park Complex, Natolin Park received the status as the Natolin Woods nature reserve. In 1992, the palace became the campus of the branch of the College of Europe. Around it were also built several other university buildings.

Between 1946 and 1958, at 434 Puławska Street in Pyry was constructed the Catholic Saint Apostles Peter and Paul Church.

On 14 May 1951, the municipalities of Falenty and Wilanów were incorporated into the city of Warsaw, becoming part of the district of Mokotów.

In 1952, the construction of a manufacturing industry began in Wyczółki, Służewiec and Zbarż. The industry was known as the Industrial and Storage District of Służewiec (Polish language, Polish: ''Dzielnica Przemysłowo-Składowa „Służewiec”''), later called Służewiec Przemysłowy (''Industrial Służewiec'').Kronika wydarzeń w Warszawie 1945−1958. ''Warszawskie Kalendarz Ilustrowany 1959'', p. 67, 1958. Wydawnictwo Tygodnika Ilustrowanego "Stolica" (in Polish)Bronisław Ryś: ''Budowa i rozwój Służewca Przemysłowego''. In: ''Kronika Warszawy''. 3 (7). p. 45. (in Polish)Józef Kazimierski, Ryszard Kołodziejczyk, Żanna Kormanowa, Halina Rostowska: ''Dzieje Mokotowa''. Warsaw: Państwowe Wydawnictwo Naukowe, 1972, p. 269. (in Polish) It was envisioned as including 60 factories and industrial plants, as well as residential buildings for 26,000 people. The buildings were constructed in the large panel system-building, large panel system technique, marking it as one of the first instances of such system being used in Poland. By the early 1970s, area employed around 20,000 people. Among the corporations present in Wyczółki, the notable example includes the Służewiec Home Factory (Polish language, Polish: ''Fabryka Domów „Służewiec”''). In the 1990s, the manufacturing industry disappeared from the area, with it redeveloped with office buildings.Marta Leśniakowska: ''Architektura w Warszawie 1989−2001''. Warsaw: Arkada Pracownia Historii Sztuki, 2002, p. 206. ISBN 83-908950-5-6.Adam Roguski. ''Mordor na nowo: dla jednych nakłady, dla innych okazje''. In: ''Rzeczpospolita'', p. A20, 19–20 June 2019.

In 1956, the Council of Ministers (Poland), Council of Ministers donated a plot of land in Służew, as well as in nearby Natolin, Wilanów, and Wolica to the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. The acquired area included the Krasiński Palace and a vocational education, vocational school, which were adopted into the university campus centred on Nowoursynowska Street. It was further developed with new faculty buildings throughout the 1960s and 1970s. In 1989, the palace became the seat of the university authorities. Between 1999 and 2002, it was expanded with the construction of a new campus, that became one of the most technologically advanced in Europe. In 2003, all remaining faculties and institutions of the university were moved to Służew. Since 1983, the university has hosted annually the Ursynalia, one of the largest music festivals in Poland.

The Warszawa Dawidy railway station, Warszawa Dawidy railway station was opened in 1962 at Baletowa Street in Jeziorki, operated to the present by the Polish State Railways. Currently, it is a part of the railway line no. 8.

In 1974, in Skarpa Powsińska, to the southeast from Kabaty Woods, the Polish Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden and Powsin Centre for Biological Diversity Conservation was established, with an area of 40 ha. It was developed between 1978 and 1990.Piotr Bielawski, ''Ogród botaniczny w Powsinie – plan ogrodu z przewodnikiem''. Warsaw: Agencja REGRAF, . (in Polish)

In the 1970s and 1980s, in Ursynów residential neighbourhoods of multifamily residential large panel system buildings began to be constructed. Between 1971 and 1977, the area of North Ursynów was established, with neighbourhoods of Jary, Koński Jar-Nutki, and Stokłosy.Barbara Petrozolin-Skowrońska (editor): ''Encyklopedia Warszawy'', Warsaw: Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, 1994, p. 921, ISBN 83-01-08836-2. (in Polish) In 1977, there was also opened the Roman Kozłowski Park, which included the Cwil Mound, an artificial mound formed from the ground excavated during the building construction. Between 1976 and 1981, to the south the neighbourhoods of Imielin, Na Skraju, and West Ursynów were built.Barbara Petrozolin-Skowrońska (editor): ''Encyklopedia Warszawy'', vol 1. Warsaw: Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, 1994, p. 920–921. ISBN 9788301088361. (in Polish)Jacek Nowicki: "Pasmo Ursynów-Natolin". ''Kronika Warszawy'', no. 4 (24), p. 5, 11, 13–14, 18–19. Warsaw: Państwowe Wydawnictwo Naukowe, 1975. ISSN 0137-3099. (in Polish) Beginning in 1981, throughout the 1980s, in the central-eastern part of Ursynów, near Komisji Edukacji Narodowej Avenue, was constructed the neighbourhood of Wyżyny, Warsaw, Wyżyny.Tomasz Gamdzyk: "Przekształcenie osiedli", Sławomir Gzell (editor): ''Krajobraz architektoniczny Warszawy końca XX wieku''. Warsaw: Towarzystwo Urbanistów Polskich, 2002, p. 209–227, ISBN 83-85892-39-7. (in Polish) Later, beginning in 1987, and continuing throughout the 1990s and 2000s, to the south and east a series of housing estates of multifamily residential buildings were constructed as part of the development of Natolin. It also partially encompassed Kabaty.Lech Chmielewski: ''Przewodnik warszawski. Gawęda o nowej Warszawie''. Warsaw: Agencja Omnipress, Państwowe Przedsiębiorstwo Wydawnicze Rzeczpospolita, 1987, p. 62. ISBN 83-85028-56-0. (in Polish)Maciej Mazur: ''Czasoprzewodnik. 33 lata na Ursynowie''. Warsaw: Wydawnictwo Myśliński, 2010, p. 139–140. ISBN 978-83-915427-9-8. (in Polish) In 1982, Ursynów had a population of around 78,000 people.

In 1979, at 5 Roentgena Street was begun the construction of the new headquarters and medical complex of the Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology. Its first portion was opened on 16 July 1984, and the new buildings were opened in the following years, with the full completion in 1997.Edward Towpik (editor): ''Centrum Onkologii – Instytut im. Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie w Warszawie: 1932–2002''. Warsaw: Centrum Onkologii – Instytut im. Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie, 2002. ISBN 83-88681-15-X. (in Polish)

On 11 August 1980, Kabaty Woods were given the status of a nature reserve.

Between 1982 and 1989, at 101 Komisji Edukacji Narodowej Avenue was built the Catholic Church of the Ascension.

In the late-morning 9 May 1987, the Ilyushin Il-62, Ilyushin Il-62M jet airliner operating the LOT Polish Airlines Flight 5055, flight 5055 crashed in the Kabaty Woods, around 56 minutes after departure. All 183 passengers and crew on board were killed, making it the deadliest Aviation accidents and incidents, aviation disaster in Polish history.

Democratic period

In 1990, following the administrative changes, the city districts, including Mokotów, were turned into municipalities. In 1994, its southwest portion was separated, forming the municipality of Warsaw-Ursynów. Służew was divided into two parts, with its majority remaining in Mokotów, and a smaller historical area to the south, being ceased to Ursynów, forming Stary Służew (''Old Służew''). Additionally, Natolin Palace and Park Complex, Natolin Park and Potocki Palace, became part of Wilanów instead. In 1996, it was partially divided into administrative neighbourhoods, governed by local elected councils. They were: Etap, Dąbrówka, Jeziorki, Łęczyca, Warsaw, Prawdziwka, Pyry, and Wyczółki. In 1996, the district was divided into thirteen City Information System (Warsaw), City Information System areas, including: Dąbrówka, Grabów, Warsaw, Jeziorki, Warsaw, Jeziorki Północne, Jeziorki, Warsaw, Jeziorki Południowe, Kabaty, Natolin, North Ursynów, Pyry, Skarpa Powsińska, Stary Imielin, Stary Służew, Ursynów-Centrum, and Wyczółki. Their boundaries were slightly adjusted in 2000. On 27 October 2002, the municipality was restructured into the district of Ursynów.

In 1992, at 3 Stokłosy Street, was opened the Vistula University, one of the oldest, and one of the leading Private university, private universities in Poland. In 1994, at 3 Rogozińskiego Street was also founded another private university, the Warsaw School of Advertising, which is the country's leading school in its field.

On 7 April 1995, in the area were opened five stations of the M1 (Warsaw), M1 line of Warsaw Metro rapid transit underground system. They were: Imielin metro station, Imielin, Kabaty metro station, Kabaty, Natolin metro station, Natolin, Stokłosy metro station, Stokłosy, and Ursynów metro station, Ursynów.
Wszystko zaczęło się na Wilanowskiej – 20 lat metra
'. In: ''iZTM'', no. 4 (86). April 2015. Warsaw: Zarząd Transportu Miejskiego. pp. 9–10. (in Polish) To the south, next to the Kabaty Woods was also opened the motive power depot of the railway system, the Kabaty Technical and Parking Station.

Between the 1990s and 2020s, in the district were constructed several Catholic churches, including: Blessed Ladislas of Gielniów Church, Warsaw, Blessed Ladislas of Gielniów, Presentation of Jesus, St. Padre Pio, St. Sophie Barat, and Thomas the Apostle

Throughout 2000s and 2010s, in the area were also developed five urban parks. They were the John Paul II Park opened in 2000, Przy Bażantarni Park in 2008, Moczydełko Park in 2009, Birch Woods Park in 2010, and Silent Unseen Park in 2016.

In 2006, at 14 Indiry Gandhi Street was opened the headquarters of the Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine.

In 2007, at 122 Pileckiego Street was opened the Arena Ursynów indoor sports stadium.

In 2008, at 61 Komisji Edukacji Narodowej Avenue, was opened the Ursynów Civic Centre, which is the seat of government of the district.

In 2013, at the eastern district boundary was opened the Expressway S79 (Poland), expressway S79, connecting Mokotów to the Warsaw Chopin Airport and the Expressway S7 (Poland), Expressway S7. The same year, at its intersection, was also opened part of the Expressway S2 (Poland), Expressway S2 leading east to Puławska Street, Warsaw, Puławska Street, which itself forms the national road 79. In 2021, it was extended further east, connecting to Wilanów and Expressway S17 (Poland), Expressway S17. Part of it goes through Expressway S2 Tunnel, tunnel, with a length of 2.3 km (1.4 miles).

Between 2015 and 2023, at 568 Puławska Street was constructed the Polish Orthodox Church, Polish Orthodox St. Sophia Church of Holy Wisdom, becoming the first Orthodox church to be constructed in Warsaw, in over 100 years.

In 2016, at 19 Poleczki Street was opened the Centre for Advanced Materials and Technologies, one of the largest high tech research facilities in Poland.

In 2019, the Fort VIII was renovated, and turned into a shopping centre.

In 2021, at 99 Pileckiego Street, was opened the Southern Hospital.

Government

Mayor and district council

Ursynów is one of eighteen districts of the city of Warsaw. Its government is divided into two branches, the executive in the form of the management, and the legislative and regulatory in the form of an elected council, with 25 members. The government is led by the mayor (). The office was held by:
* Stanisław Faliński (1994–2002);
* Tomasz Sieradz (2002–2003);
* Andrzej Machowski (2003–2006);
* Tomasz Mencina (2006–2009);
* Urszula Kierzkowska (2009–2010);
* Piotr Guział (2010–2014);
* Robert Kempa (2014–present).

Subdivisions

Ursynów is partially subdivided into six administrative neighbourhoods, governed by local elected councils. This includes:
* Etap;
* Dąbrówka;
* Jeziorki
* Łęczyca, Warsaw, Prawdziwka;
* Pyry;
* Wyczółki.

It is also subdivided into thirteen areas of the City Information System, a municipal standardized system of street signage. This includes:
* Dąbrówka;
* Grabów;
* Jeziorki, Warsaw, Jeziorki Północne;
* Jeziorki, Warsaw, Jeziorki Południowe;
* Kabaty;
* Natolin;
* North Ursynów;
* Pyry;
* Skarpa Powsińska;
* Stary Imielin;
* Stary Służew;
* Ursynów-Centrum;
* Wyczółki.

Additionally, the district is also traditionally divided into two areas. They are ''High-rise Ursynów'' (), in north, east, and south, dominated by the high-rise multifamily residential architecture, and ''Green Ursynów'' (), in the west, alongside Puławska Street, Warsaw, Puławska Street, low-rise single-family residential architecture.

Government buildings

The Ursynów Civic Centre, which houses the district government and council, is located at 61 Komisji Edukacji Narodowej Avenue. Additionally, within the district, 65 Pileckiego Street, is located the headquarters of the National Clearing House, an institution of the Bank, banking sector in Poland, and the military complex of the Air Operations Centre and Air Component Command of the Polish Air Force, at 8 Kajakowa Street, and within the nearby Kabaty Woods.

Demographics

Population

In 2023, Ursynów had a population of 149,775 people, making up around 8% of the city population, and being the 5th most populous district. In contrast with previous years, its population has slightly diminished from 151,304 in 2020, while experiencing steady growth until then, with 144,580 in 2010, and 134,440 in 2002. In 2023, the majority of the population was in the working age of between 18 and 64, with 89,782 people, or 59.9%. A total of 26,228 people, or 17.5%, were under the age of 18, while 33,765, or 22.5%, were over 65. Ursynów has an area of 43.79 km² (16.88 sq mi), making up around 8% of the city, and being its 3rd largest district. In 2024, it had the population density of 3,420 people per km² (8872.9 people per sq mi).

In 2022, around 50,000 people were employed in the district, and there were around 33,000 registered businesses, including 22,900 registered to Natural person, physical persons.

Religion

Within the district are located numerous Catholic parish churches. This includes the St. Catherine's Church, Warsaw, St. Catherine Church built in the 19th century, which is the seat of the oldest parish in Warsaw, dating to 1238. Nearby is also the Służew Old Cemetery, dating to the 13th century. Among other churches in the area are: Ascension, Blessed Ladislas of Gielniów Church, Warsaw, Blessed Ladislas of Gielniów, Presentation of Jesus, Saint Apostles Peter and Paul, St. Padre Pio, St. Sophie Barat, and Thomas the Apostle.

Additionally, there is the Polish Orthodox Church, Polish Orthodox St. Sophia Church of Holy Wisdom. The district also includes a monastery of the Society of the Sacred Heart, and a Christian mission, Christian mission centre of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

Housing

The northeastern part of Ursynów is dominated by high-rise multifamily housing. This includes the neighborhoods of Imielin, Jary, Stokłosy, Na Skraju, and West Ursynów in the north, and Kabaty, Natolin, and Wyżyny, Warsaw, Wyżyny in the central east. The exception is the low-rise single-family housing in Stary Ursynów around Nowoursynowska Street in the far northeast,
Studium uwarunkowań i kierunków zagospodarowania przestrzennego miasta stołecznego Warszawy ze zmianami
'. Warsaw: Warsaw City Council, 1 March 2018, pp. 10–14. (in Polish) Wolica and Stare Kabaty alongside eastern district boundary, and Moczydło around Moczydłowska Street in central east.Maciej Mazur: ''Czterdziestolatek. Historie z Ursynowa''. Warsaw: Wydawnictwo Myśliński, 2017, p. 137–139. ISBN 978-83-934764-8-0. (in Polish) Low-rise housing also dominates the western part of the district, with neighborhoods such as Grabów, Krasnowola, Jeziorki, and Pyry. The exception is the neighbourhood of Wyczółki in the northwest, being a mixed area of high-rise residential and office buildings. The majority of the southeastern district is dominated by the nature reserve of the Kabaty Woods, and remains unpopulated. The exception are two small neighbourhoods of Janówek, Warsaw, Janówek and Łęczyca, Warsaw, Łęczyca at the southeastern boundary of the district.''[ftp://91.223.135.109/prng/PRNG_MIEJSCOWOSCI_XLSX.zip PRNG – nazwy miejscowośmunicipal]''. Main Office of Geodesy and Cartography, 30 July 2020. (in Polish)

Higher education and science

Higher education

The neighbourhood of Stary Służew contains the campus of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. Among buildings there, at 166 Nowoursynowska Street, is the Krasiński Palace, a historical 19th-century residence, which currently serves as the seat of the university authorities. Additionally, in Ursynów are also Private university, private universities such as the Vistula University at 3 Stokłosy Street, one of Poland's leading private universities, and the Warsaw School of Advertising at 3 Rogozińskiego Street, the country's leading school in its field.

Science and medicine

In the neighbourhood of Grabów at 19 Poleczki Street, is also located at the Centre for Advanced Materials and Technologies, one of the largest high tech research facilities in Poland. Additionally, in the area of Stary Imielin are placed the Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology at 5 Roentgena Street, and the Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine at 14 Indiry Gandhi Street, as well as the Southern Hospital at 99 Pileckiego Street.

Culture

Ursynów has several cultural centers and libraries, as well as two cinemas. There are also located several historical buildings, such as the Krasinski Palace from 1858, the St. Catherine's Church, Warsaw, St. Catherine Church from 1848. Additionally, there is the Fort VIII, decommissioned 19th military fortifications, currently repurposed as a shopping centre. In the southeast is also located the Janówek Villa, a historical 20th-century residence, which currently hosts plethora of cultural events, such as Floralia Muzyczne classical music festival, organized by the Frédéric Chopin Society. Furthermore, the campus of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences hosts annually the Ursynalia, one of the largest music festivals in Poland.

The district also features works of public art, including the Ursynów Sculptures, a series of twelve artworks made in various techniques by several artists, displayed around the North Ursynów neighbourhood.''Dwa słowa o Ursynowie czyli Krótki przewodnik po dzielnicy''. Warsaw: Ursynów District Office, ARW Grzegorczyk, 2011, p. 20. (in Polish)Maciej Mazur: ''Witajcie na Ursynowie''. Warsaw: Wydawnictwo Myśliński, 2012. ISBN 978-83-934764-1-1. (in Polish)

Nature and geography

The district has two large nature reserves. This includes the Kabaty Woods in the southeast, which with an area of 903 ha forms the largest forest in the city, and the largest nature reserve in the Masovian Voivodeship.J. Nowakowska, K. Żak: ''Lasy Warszawy'', Warsaw, 2016. ISBN 978-83-946818-0-7. (in Polish) There is also the Ursynów Escarpment in the northeast, a woodland and swamp with an area of 20 ha. The eastern boundary of the district is marked by the Warsaw Escarpment.

Ursynów also includes numerous lakes and ponds. Among the largest are: Czyste, Imielin Lake, Grabów Lake, Kądziołeczka, Krzewiny, Pozytywka, Wyścigi Pond, Zabłocki Lake, and Zgorzała. Through the district also flows the Służew Stream, and artificial canals such as Grabów and Imielin.

Near Nowoursynowska Street grows a Quercus robur, pedunculate oak named Mieszko I, which with the age of around 600 years, is one of the oldest trees in Poland. Additionally, within Kozłowski Park is placed the ''Ursynów Boulder'' (), which, with the height of 2.62 m, and circumference of 11.1 m, is the largest glacial erratic in the city. Within the district are two artificial mounds, built in the 1970s, the Cwil Mound in the Kozłowski Park, with height of 118 m, and Three Peaks Hill in the Silent Unseen Park, with the height of 113.9 m above the sea level.Mariusz Prządak: Sekrety Ursynowa. Łódź: Księży Młyn, 2021, p. 125. ISBN 978-83-7729-444-4. (in Polish)

Parks

Ursynów has several urban parks, such as John Paul II Park, Kozłowski Park, Przy Bażantarni Park, and Silent Unseen Park. In the southeast of the district, near the Kabaty Woods, is also located the Polish Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden and Powsin Centre for Biological Diversity Conservation, which has an area of 40 ha, and gathers over 10,000 species of plants in its collection, including numerous exotic and rare examples. It is also a research facility of the Polish Academy of Sciences.M. Szymańczyk, D. Matynia (editors): ''Ogrody botaniczne i arboreta Polski''. Warsaw: Wydawnictwo PAN OB-CZRB, 2020, p. 169. . (in Polish) Nearby is also a recreational and sports area of the Powsin Culture Park.

Sports

In 2021, in Ursynów functioned 38 sports clubs operating as associations and foundations, and 5 commercial clubs. Among them was association football club KS SEMP Warszawa (also known as ''SEMP Ursynów''). The area also includes the Arena Ursynów indoor sports stadium at 122 Pileckiego Street.

At 266 Puławska Street is also located the Służewiec Horse Racing Track, with two race circuits, primary turf track with the length of 2,300 m, and a secondary dirt track with the length of 1,930 m. Every year, the venue hosts the Great Warsaw Race, the most prestigious horse race in Poland.

Transport

Ursynów has five stations of the M1 (Warsaw), M1 line of Warsaw Metro rapid transit underground system. They are: Imielin metro station, Imielin, Kabaty metro station, Kabaty, Natolin metro station, Natolin, Stokłosy metro station, Stokłosy, and Ursynów metro station, Ursynów. There is also the Kabaty Technical and Parking Station, the motive power depot of the transit system.

Within the district are also three railway stations, operated by the Polish State Railways. This includes Warszawa Jeziorki railway station, Warszawa Jeziorki and Warszawa Dawidy railway station, Warszawa Dawidy, at the railway line no. 8, between Warszawa Zachodnia railway station, Warsaw West and Kraków Główny railway station, Kraków Main stations, and Warszawa Okęcie railway station, Warszawa Okęcie, which provides transit links with the Warsaw Chopin Airport in the nearby Włochy district.

The area is additionally crossed by several motorways. At its western boundary is Expressway S79 (Poland), expressway S79, connecting Mokotów to the Warsaw Chopin Airport and the Expressway S7 (Poland), Expressway S7, from north to south. It intersects with Expressway S2 (Poland), Expressway S2, leading to the east to Wilanów and Expressway S17 (Poland), Expressway S17. Part of it includes a Expressway S2 Tunnel, tunnel with a length of 2.3 km (1.4 miles). It also intersects with the national road 79, formed by the Puławska Street, Warsaw, Puławska Street.

Symbols

The Coat of arms of Ursynów, coat of arms depicts a red castle, consisting of a red open gate with black bars, and two red towers on each side with black roofs. On the top of the gate is a black bear, standing on its back feet, and facing to the left. It holds a red rose. The building stands on a green field and behind a yellow background. The coat of arms has an Iberian-style Escutcheon (heraldry), escutcheon with a square top and rounded base. The bear refers to the coat of arms of the heraldic clan of Rawa coat of arms, Rawa, which also depicts a black bear. It refers to Julian Ursyn Niemcewicz, the member of the clan, that in 1822, bought Ursynów, naming it after his family name.

The Flag of Ursynów, flag is a rectangle, divided into 3 horizontal stripes, that are, from top to bottom, navy blue, yellow, and red. The aspect ratio of the height to the width of the flag, was described in the establishing resolution as 100:99, although in practice, such proportions are not used. Instead, the flag is usually given the shape of a wider rectangle, with the proportions equal to 5:8. The proportion of the stripes to each other was described as equal to 26:7:7, however, those proportions also remain unused in practice. Instead, the flag is usually presented with a blue stripe two times bigger than the remaining two stripes, with the proportion equal to 2:1:1.Jacek Skorupski:
Flagi w Warszawie
'; In: ''Flaga. Biuletyn Polskiego Towarzystwa Weksykologicznego'', vol. 12, p. 15, December 2000. Polskie Towarzystwo Weksykologiczne. ISSN 1509-2429.

References

External links

*

Official website

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ursynow
Ursynów,
2002 establishments in Poland
Populated places established in 2002
States and territories established in 2002
1994 establishments in Poland
Populated places established in 1994