Świerczewo

Świerczewo is an administrative housing estate in Poznań, located in its southern part, characterized primarily by single-family housing. The estate is situated between the Junikowski Stream and the Górczynka Stream, with its boundaries defined by railway lines and streets such as Pszczyńska and Leszczyńska. The history of Świerczewo dates back to 1235, when the village was granted to the archdeacon of Poznań. Gradually declining, it was completely abandoned by 1510. Revival occurred in the 19th century with the establishment of a brickyard and during the construction of forts for the Poznań Fortress, including Fort IX. During World War II, Świerczewo was renamed Bergfelde and incorporated into Poznań. Plans to create a ghetto for Poles envisaged settling 60,000 people, but only part of the projects were realized; blocks on Opolska Street and barracks for displaced persons from the Black Sea region were built. After the war, Świerczewo underwent a transformation, designated as a single-family housing estate, and in the 1950s, the construction of new houses began. The streets of the estate originally referenced figures associated with communism, which changed after decommunization, replacing them with the names of distinguished military personnel and scientists. In the center of Świerczewo is the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, as well as Fort IX and a cemetery on Samotna Street. The estate's architecture combines single-family and multi-family buildings from the communist era with modern investments, including blocks built in the 21st century. Świerczewo is home to educational institutions such as Primary School No. 79 and the Higher School of Education and Therapy. The estate is well-connected thanks to tram loops and numerous bus lines, facilitating access to Poznań and surrounding towns. An interesting fact is that a network of clay pits, called Szachty, emerged in Świerczewo, influencing the delineation of the estate's boundaries. Since the beginning of the 21st century, Świerczewo has undergone significant transformation, including the modernization of housing infrastructure, contributing to its further development.