Kostrzyn nad Odrą - "polskie Pompeje"

“Polish Pompeii. History and annihilation of Kostrzyn nad Odrą

Kostrzyn on the Oder, formerly known as Küstrin, is a city with an extremely rich and turbulent history. Referred to today as “Polish Pompeii” or “Polish Hiroshima”, it was almost completely destroyed during World War II, becoming a poignant testimony to the past. The ruins of the old town, left as a symbol of wartime destruction, are a living monument to the more than 700-year history of the local settlement. It is a place full of reverie that makes you reflect on the tragic fate of this once great city and its inhabitants.

History of Kostrzyn nad Odrą

The city’s history dates back to the early Middle Ages, when Kostrzyn lay within the borders of Greater Poland. In 1232, Duke Władysław Odonic gave these lands to the Templar Order, which contributed to the further development of the settlement. In 1261 Kostrzyn was granted city rights, becoming the property of the Brandenburgers. The city quickly gained strategic and economic importance thanks to its location on the Oder and Warta rivers. A turning point in history came in the 16th century, when Margrave Jan Hohenzollern chose Kostrzyn as his residence. This initiated the construction of an impressive fortress and the modernisation of the castle. The city soon became the capital of the New March and its military and administrative importance grew.

Panorama of the city in 1650. Source: Bildarchiv Foto Marburg

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Kostrzyn as a fortress town

In the 17th century, the Swedes strengthened the Kostrzyn fortress by adding new ramparts and ravelins, making the city one of the most important fortifications in the region. From the 18th century onwards, Kostrzyn was the site of key political and military events, including those associated with Frederick II, who spent time here as a prisoner. Industrial development brought new railway lines, factories and trams. The city was bustling, reaching a population of 24,000 in 1939. However, the coming war was to change its face irrevocably.

Wartime destruction of Kostrzyn nad Odrą

In 1945, Kostrzyn became a key point on the Red Army’s road to Berlin. Fierce fighting, combined with massive artillery shelling, led to the almost complete destruction of the town. Some 95% of the built-up area was turned to ruins, including the castle, churches, town hall and thousands of houses. The town ceased to exist in its previous form and its old town remains a vegetated field of ruins to this day.

The division of the town and its post-war fate

After the end of the Second World War, under the terms of the Potsdam Conference, Kostrzyn was divided between Poland and Germany. The Old Town and the New Town became part of Poland, while the Long Suburb and Kietz were incorporated into Germany. The ruined Kostrzyn was not rebuilt and the ruins (including the castle and St. Mary’s Church) were blown up. A new town was built on the Warta River, east of the former fortifications.

Kostrzyn fortress in 1921 and 2024. Photo Kapitel, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons and Google Earth

Kostrzyn on the Oder – an unbuilt city

For years, there has been talk in Kostrzyn-on-Odra about plans to rebuild the old town, which was destroyed during World War II. Historians, scientists and conservationists, on the other hand, would like to see a cultural park created here. Kostrzyn has something unique and the only one of its kind in Poland – a bastion fortress with a city in ruins within it. There is still a mass of secrets and undiscovered treasures hidden underground. Talks are ongoing and the final decision rests with the city authorities.

Source: kostrzyn.pl, kostrzynnadodra.naszemiasto.pl

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Kostrzyn on the Oder in the 1920s and today. Source: Bildarchiv Foto Marburg and Google Earth

The town hall on the square in Kostrzyn in the 1930s and the same place today. Source: Bildarchiv Foto Marburg and Google Earth

Berlin Street on a postcard from the early 20th century and today. Source: Zielona Góra Digital Library and Google Earth

St Mary’s Church in the 1930s and the same place today. Source: Bildarchiv Foto Marburg and Google Earth

The castle before the war and its ruins today. Source: Bildarchiv Foto Marburg and Google Earth