Nowa Praga

Nowa Praga is a housing estate and an area within the Praga-Północ district of Warsaw, first incorporated into the city in 1890 to distinguish it from the older part of Praga. Located east of Targowa and Jagiellońska Streets, Nowa Praga borders the Vistula River and historically served as the center of eastern Warsaw. The MSI (Local Information System) region slightly extends beyond the historical boundaries of Nowa Praga, including areas such as the Zoo and Park Praski. The history of Nowa Praga dates back to the 17th century, when it was a town center featuring the Praga town hall and the Baroque Chapel of Our Lady of Loreto, both destroyed during the Swedish Deluge and the Napoleonic Wars. The 19th century brought infrastructure development, including the construction of the Warsaw-Saint Petersburg Railway, which increased land value and led to the emergence of tenement houses and industrial plants, such as the Warsaw Steel Factory. After World War II, new housing estates like Praga I, II, and III were developed in Nowa Praga, reflecting modern architectural approaches. The area also boasts a rich cultural heritage, including landmarks such as the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene, the Church of Our Lady of Loreto, and the barracks complex at 11 Listopada Street. Eleven sites are under conservation protection, with over 150 listed in the municipal heritage register. In 2008, a proposal was made to designate Nowa Praga as a cultural park, highlighting its historical and architectural significance. Interestingly, until World War II, the area was largely used for military purposes, and from 1944 to 1956, it housed the III Criminal and Investigative Prison, which held members of the armed resistance. After the war, Nowa Praga underwent significant urban changes, with historical military areas repurposed into public spaces like the Zoo and a park with a summer theater. Thanks to its diverse heritage, Nowa Praga remains a fascinating area to explore in Warsaw.