Służewiec Racecourse

Służewiec Horse Racing Track, located at 266 Puławska Street in Warsaw, is a unique facility with a rich history and plays a significant role in Polish culture. Opened on June 3, 1939, it was then the most modern racetrack in Europe, designed by architect Zygmunt Plater-Zyberk in a functionalist style enriched with elements of ship-inspired design. The track consists of a main 2,300-meter grass course and a sandy training track. The complex also includes an impressive array of stables, staff quarters, and a unique underground tunnel connecting the training area to the racetrack. During World War II, the track was used by the German occupiers, which led to its deterioration, but it was restored to operation after the war. Służewiec is not only a venue for races; it also hosts memorial events honoring distinguished individuals. Additionally, since the 1990s, the venue has been used for concerts, attracting stars from the Polish and international music scenes, such as U2 and The Rolling Stones. An interesting fact is that the nearly kilometer-long wall surrounding the track has become an open-air graffiti gallery, and the grounds are home to natural monuments, including two white poplars. Today, the track, managed by Totalizator Sportowy Sp. z o.o., remains highly popular among horse racing enthusiasts and is an important landmark on Warsaw’s cultural map.