Milanówek

Milanówek is a town in the Masovian Voivodeship, located southwest of Warsaw, forming part of the Warsaw metropolitan area. With a population of 16,056 residents according to 2010 data, Milanówek is a well-known resort town that emerged at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries as a result of the subdivision of Michał Lasocki's estate. The town's architecture, particularly in its older part, is characterized by stylish villas that originally served as summer homes for wealthy residents of Warsaw. In addition to its beautiful villas, Milanówek's heritage sites include the Church of St. Hedwig and the Turczynek villa complex. Key moments in the town's history include the safeguarding of the urn containing Frédéric Chopin's heart during World War II and the relocation of the Polish Underground State's operations after the Warsaw Uprising, earning it the nickname "Little London." During the Polish People's Republic era, Milanówek experienced industrial development, including the establishment of dental instrument factories. The town boasts an active cultural life, offering various sports sections and annual events such as the Polish Dirt Jumping Championships and the Open Tennis Championships. Milanówek's cultural highlights include a volume of poetry by Jarosław Marek Rymkiewicz and the song "Truskawki w Milanówku" by Hanna Banaszak. The town's partner cities include Lidzbark Warmiński and Fumone, fostering international relations. Embracing sporting traditions, Milanówek also nurtures activities such as dance, chess, and gravity cycling, underscoring its community engagement.