Swedish Park

Park Szwedzki (Swedish Park) is a green space in Nowa Huta, on the Szklane Domy estate, covering 2.39 ha. It lies between Aleja Przyjaźni and Aleja Solidarności, right next to the Church of Our Lady of Częstochowa and Bl. Wincenty Kadłubek. It is entered in the heritage register.

Origin of the name and how the park came about

The name comes from the nearby "Swedish block", the first fully modernist residential building in Nowa Huta. The nickname is linked to the designer's study trip to Sweden, the coloured plaster and the use of aerated concrete produced under a Swedish licence.

The area formerly belonged to the village of Mogiła, and a road from Mogiła to Bieńczyce ran across it. In the plans it was to be part of monumental development along present-day Aleja Solidarności, and for years it functioned as an unofficial, undeveloped square, liked by residents. The official name "Park Szwedzki" was given in 2004.

A place linked to the history of Nowa Huta

In 1982-1989 the surroundings were the site of Solidarity demonstrations and clashes with the militia. At the same time, in 1982-1994, the neighbouring church was being built. From 1880 a wooden wayside cross stood in the park, replaced in 1932 by a concrete one.

In 2005-2007 the park was modernised: new lighting, benches and paths appeared. An oak planted on the anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II also grows here.

Practical information

• Location: Kraków, Nowa Huta, Szklane Domy estate, in the area of Aleja Solidarności and Aleja Przyjaźni.
• Free entry, the park is open to the public.
• The place combines well with a walk around the Nowa Huta estates.