Podjuchy

Podjuchy, formerly known by its German name Podejuch, is a district of Szczecin located on the right bank of the Oder River. For a brief period between 1945 and 1948, it functioned as an independent town. The neighborhood is situated between the Regalica River and the A6 motorway, near National Road 31. The history of Podjuchy dates back to the Mesolithic era, with the first written records appearing in the 12th century when the village came under the ownership of the city of Szczecin. In the 16th century, it was transferred to the St. Holy Spirit Hospital. The settlement developed primarily as an agricultural area, cultivating rye, wheat, sugar beets, and raising cattle. The 19th century brought industrial development, marked by the establishment of a refractory products factory in 1834, as well as lime kilns and brickyards. By the end of the 19th century, agriculture began to decline, and the area transformed into an industrial center. In the 1930s, Podjuchy experienced its peak prosperity, with significant government investments such as barracks and new transportation links. After World War II, due to combat, much of the district's infrastructure was heavily damaged, leading to its temporary status as an independent town. In the 1950s, slow reconstruction began, primarily focusing on residential infrastructure. Today, Podjuchy is divided into two parts: the historical section, with remnants of medieval architecture, and the modern area, featuring villas on the slopes of the Bukowe Hills. The neighborhood is characterized by single-family homes, military barracks, and the presence of the Zdroje Forest Park. Podjuchy boasts well-developed transportation, including five bus lines and a railway station. Since 1990, local self-government authorities have been active here, with the Podjuchy Neighborhood Council consisting of 15 members. In 2016, the district was home to 8,606 residents.