Garbage Dump Mountain

Gnojna Mountain, also known as Gnojowa Mountain, is a hill located on the Vistula escarpment in Warsaw, in the Old Town area, between Celna, Dawna, and Bugaj streets. In the past, it was an illegal garbage dump that operated until 1844, and its name refers to the waste and manure that were dumped there from all over the city. The history of Gnojna Mountain is full of attempts to close it down, which ended in failure because residents continued to use the site for dumping garbage while out on walks. The location of the dump favored its operation, even though it caused terrible fumes and threatened the health of residents, becoming a breeding ground for rats. An interesting aspect of its history is the belief that burying sick people, especially those with syphilis, in the mountain had health benefits. In the 18th century, the dump became so problematic that in 1722, further waste disposal was banned, and in 1831, residents complained about the toxic fumes. The final decision to close the dump was made in 1844, and after its liquidation, the site was covered with earth. In later years, in 1923, a complex of residential and warehouse buildings designed by Marian Lalewicz was built on top of Gnojna Mountain. The structure, shaped like a horseshoe, was destroyed during World War II and was not rebuilt, which helped restore the view of the Old Town. Between 1962 and 1968, archaeological excavations were conducted there, providing valuable information about the former inhabitants of Warsaw. In 2007, the mountain was secured against erosion by covering it with an anti-erosion mat, filling it with soil, and sowing grass. Today, Gnojna Mountain serves as a viewing terrace, and in its southern part stands a statue of Siłacz (The Strongman), created by Stanisław Czarnowski in 1908 and placed there in 1972. Interestingly, a second dump, also called Gnojowa Mountain, existed until 1785 in Nowa Warszawa, near Zakątna Street.