Grzybowska Street in Warsaw

Grzibowska Street in Warsaw, dating back to the Middle Ages, originally served as a field road for a ducal manor, and its name comes from the jurydyka (privately owned town) of Grzybów, granted in 1770. In the 18th century, it was an important communication route, called the "National Road to Wrocław". In the 19th century, the street developed intensively, with brick tenement houses being built, and by the early 20th century, it was home to numerous breweries and industrial plants, including the Haberbusch and Schiele brewery, which dominated the beer industry in Warsaw. Architecturally, Grzybowska was distinguished by its Art Nouveau buildings, with today's heritage tenements in the Neoclassical and Modernist styles. During World War II, the street was within the boundaries of the Warsaw Ghetto, and after the fall of the Warsaw Uprising, its buildings were almost completely destroyed. After the war, the area was rebuilt, but it remained neglected for a long time, which led to it being nicknamed the "Wild West". In the following decades, modern buildings were constructed, such as the Mercure hotel, as well as attractive skyscrapers like Q22 and the PZU Tower. Grzybowska Street combines historical heritage with modern architecture, serving as an interesting example of Warsaw's urban transformation. An interesting fact is that in the pre-war period, performances were held at the People's Theatre on the street, and after the war, the cellars of the former Kijok brewery were uncovered. Today, Grzybowska is a vibrant thoroughfare where contemporary life intertwines with its long and rich past.