Mokotow
Mokotów is one of the most famous districts in central Warsaw and covers most of the south of the city. It’s a set of neighbourhoods that typically feature parks and green spaces, whose origins can be traced back to at least the 14th century.
According to experts, the name Mokotów is derived from the French “mon coteau”, meaning “my hill”. It refers to the Baroque palace surrounded by gardens that Princess Izabela Lubomirska ordered to be built on a hill in this part of the city.
Around 230,000 people live in Mokotów district in Warsaw and it’s one of the largest parts of the city. Many of these residents live in prefab buildings that were constructed on the edges of the district during the 1970s.
However, if Mokotów is famous for one thing, it’s the plethora of parks and green spaces it contains. Many were once the gardens of residences belonging to the local nobility, who populated the area from the 17th century onwards.
For example, head south of Stary Mokotów and take a peaceful stroll through huge Dreszer Park; when the weather is fine, you might come across a jazz concert or musicians playing in other musical genres. Other pleasant spots are II Ogród Jordanowski Garden, and the green spaces around the city allotments that are managed by residents. It’s also a great idea to visiting Promenada, Morskie and Szustrów parks while you’re in Mokotów.
Szustrów Park is home to Szuster Palace, a 1960s reconstruction of one of the buildings belonging to Mon Coteau Palace mentioned above. Today, it’s the seat of the Musical Society of Warsaw, and classical music and jazz concerts are often held here.
When you fancy a change from exploring Mokotów’s refreshing green spaces, head to Wiśniowa Street and pay a visit to the Geology Museum of the Polish Science Academy. It’s housed in a building from the early 20th century with an eye-catching glass roof. The museum contains a surprising collection that includes everything from meteorites to fossils that are 200 million years old, plus the skeletons of humans and animals that inhabited this part of Poland during the Ice Age.
While visiting Stary Mokotów (Old Mokotów) neighbourhood, make sure you pop into Skwer Antoniego Slonimskiego Square, a lovely garden that’s surrounded by typical houses. This is where you’ll find the Iluzjon Cinema, built in the characteristic mid-20th century socialist realism style; it shows much-loved screenings of classic and little-known films.
Czerniaków neighbourhood is worth visiting to see the 17th century Bernadine church, a gem of Polish Baroque architecture. It was designed by Tylman van Gameren, head architect of King Stanislow II August.
Dolny Mokotów (Low Mokotów) neighbourhood is famous for the legendary Lotos restaurant, which has a fantastic 1970s vibe. It’s popular with city residents and visitors, who flock here to enjoy authentic Polish cuisine and specialities.