Two sleeping giants who stood idly alongside the railway line have been granted historic recognition.

Two sleeping giants who stood idly alongside the railway line have been granted historic recognition.
ul. Gniewkowska 42
Initiated by the ‘Kamień i co’ association, this structure has been entered into the register of immovable monuments of the Mazovian Voivodeship under the discerning eye of Professor Jakub Lewicki, the Mazovian Voivodeship Conservator of Monuments.
Coal bunkers like this one were commonplace during the ‘steam era’ of railways, serving as crucial infrastructure for refueling steam locomotives. What sets this particular bunker apart is its unique history dating back to the 1940s, when the United States provided Poland with advanced technical equipment for constructing highly efficient coal facilities.
Constructed in 1951 under the supervision of Mr. Szymczakowski, the Warsaw bunker represents a blend of innovative design and functional utility. Standing at 42 meters high with a container capacity of 300 tonnes, it is a tangible testament to the evolution of railway engineering and the industrial heritage of Poland.
Incorporating reinforced concrete construction, the bunker not only served practical purposes but also reflects the aesthetic sensibilities of its creators. Today, it stands as a symbol of past ingenuity and a valuable piece of Warsaw’s architectural legacy.
100 Chodakowska Street
Professor Jakub Lewicki, the Mazovian Voivodeship Conservator of Monuments, has made the decision to safeguard this vital piece of railway infrastructure, underscoring its historical and architectural significance.
Dating back to the completion of the new Warszawa Wschodnia railway station in the late 1960s, the signal box played a pivotal role in directing and supervising train traffic within the station. Designed by engineer Zygmunt Kęska, its construction reflects the modernist ethos of the era, blending form and function seamlessly.
Standing at 16.5 meters high, the switchyard boasts a distinctive cylindrical shape, elevated above ground level to optimize visibility for railway operators. Its functional layout remains intact, providing a glimpse into the operational dynamics of past railway systems.
As a testament to the era of post-war development in Warsaw, the signal box stands as a reminder of technological progress and architectural innovation. Its inclusion in the register of monuments signifies a commitment to preserving Poland’s rich railway heritage for future generations.