Warpies

Park Koszelewski, also known as "Warpie" Park, was established in 1932 for the residents of the Koszelew mining colony by the French-Italian Society. Its creation aimed to compensate for the lack of gardens in the densely built-up area. The park features elements of small architecture and diverse greenery, including 33 species of trees, mainly maples, chestnuts, and birches. After World War II, an amphitheater was built, which is currently in poor technical condition. Warpie, as a district of Będzin, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century when landowners were deprived of their properties by local administrators. At the beginning of the 20th century, industrial plants were established here, including the "Będzin" Steelworks. The district was named after the word "warp," meaning a heap of useless rock. After World War I, Warpie changed its administrative affiliation multiple times, which impacted its social and economic development. In the 19th and 20th centuries, workers' housing estates and factories were built, and the district now covers an area of 283 hectares with a population of approximately 7,000 residents. During World War II, a ghetto was established in Warpie, where many Jews from the region were relocated; most of them perished in extermination camps. After the war, the victims were commemorated in the district, including through a monument. Today, Warpie blends tradition with development, attracting investments such as the "Economic Gate of Silesia" project. The district is also home to important institutions, including a parish, schools, government offices, and public bus transportation providing connections to nearby cities. The architecture of Warpie is diverse, with historic workers' housing estates now complemented by modern residential blocks.