Old Widzew

Stary Widzew is an administrative housing estate in Łódź, located in the western part of the Widzew district, with a population of 24,000. It is characterized by compact urban development, which distinguishes it from other, more rural estates. The area of Stary Widzew was incorporated into Łódź in 1906 and immediately took on an industrial and working-class character, which soon brought benefits to its residents in the form of electrification, sewage systems, and street modernization. In 1936, the Church of St. Casimir was consecrated, the first parish in the area, highlighting the religious and cultural significance of this region. Today, Stary Widzew covers a much larger area, including the historic Księży Młyn estate, which attracts tourists. The estate also has significant industrial areas, such as the former Anilana factories and a printing house. The main transportation arteries include the avenues of Marshals Józef Piłsudski and Edward Śmigły-Rydz, as well as numerous streets that provide access to various services. These include shops, a cultural center, clinics, the Auchan hypermarket, and schools, including the Gabriel Narutowicz II High School—the first secondary school in Łódź to teach in Polish. Residents enjoy three parks: nad Jasieniem, Źródliska Park, and Widzewski Park, as well as a police station and two churches. There is also a railway stop, Łódź Niciarniana, which facilitates transportation. The estate council is located at 22 Przędzalniana Street, making Stary Widzew a well-organized and important part of Łódź, blending history with modernity.