Słodowo

Słodowo is a housing estate in Wrocław located on the border of the Południe and Zazamcze districts. Its name derives from a 14th-century malt mill situated on the Zgłowiączka River. The history of this location dates back to 1377, when the Bishop of Włocławek granted the mill to Piotr Bagoszcza; since then, the mill passed through the hands of many owners, gaining both economic and social significance. Over the centuries, the mill was a place of work and activity for various milling families until it was converted into a factory in the 20th century. During World War II, Słodowo housed a prisoner-of-war camp for soldiers of the British Expeditionary Force. After the war, the area partially lost its original functions, but in the 1950s and 1960s, a municipal bathing area was established there, which was eventually abandoned. Modern-day Słodowo has developed into a recreational and cultural hub; between 2010 and 2012, the Inter-District Municipal Swimming Pool and a skatepark were built. From 2017 to 2019, Park na Słodowie was created, enriching the area with new attractions such as tennis courts, playgrounds, an amphitheater, and recreational paths, making it an appealing destination for residents. The architecture of the park and its associated facilities harmoniously blends with the natural surroundings, and new infrastructure elements, such as a concrete bridge over the Zgłowiączka River, connect Słodowo with the Henryk Sienkiewicz Park. Parts of the mill's structure and the mill owner's house from the early 20th century have also been preserved in Słodowo. Residents appreciate the park's revitalization, as confirmed by surveys indicating high satisfaction with the results. Słodowo is a place with a rich historical past that has undergone significant transformations while becoming a center of culture and recreation in Włocławek.