In the north-western part of Poznań, there is a district that for more than a century has delighted with its urban order, coherent architecture and the tranquillity of the ubiquitous greenery. Sołacz is mainly associated with a picturesque park, but it is above all a unique establishment, planned as an elegant residential district. Thanks to a well-thought-out concept and consistent implementation of the plan, Sołacz stands out from the rest of the city as an exclusive and still delightful enclave.
Sołacz – the beginnings of a villa district
At the end of the 19th century, the Poznań authorities considered several locations for the construction of a new villa district. Among others, Górczyn and Grunwald were considered, but the final choice was Sołacz. This area, with its rural character at the time, was convenient for the ambitious project. In 1907, after many years of negotiations and the fulfilment of formal conditions, an agreement was concluded with the owners of the land, which made it possible to start planning activities. Joseph Stübben, a prominent German urban planner, was responsible for drawing up the urban plan. He planned the creation of a housing estate of more than 87 hectares, with a large proportion of green areas. Sołacki Park and artificial lakes were to be the centre of the estate and a recreational space for the residents. The design envisaged limited development, with 55 to 70 per cent of the plots being preserved as green space. The historicising development was to consist mainly of single-family and semi-detached houses, with terraced houses only allowed near the squares.
Development and first investments
Construction began with work on Sołacki Park, which was completed in 1910. In the same year, the district was supplied with water and gas, the streets were sewered, and in 1913 a tram line connecting Sołacz with the centre of Poznań was launched. The first houses were erected in the quarter bounded by today’s Mazowiecka, Śląska, Podolska and Wołyńska streets. The architecture of the villas of that period was characterised by high roofs, verandas and a wealth of detail. In 1912, a restaurant was opened amidst the park greenery, which originally functioned as a wine bar for the East German Exhibition. The structure was moved to the pond, where the premises were created with a glass veranda and garden. Over the ensuing years, the restaurant has undergone many transformations and changes of ownership, and after a recent refurbishment it operates under the name Port Sołacz. On the outskirts of the park there is also a historic tram waiting room from the early 20th century. It was originally located at Spiski Square, and in 1924 the small green building was moved to the intersection of Malopolska and Wolynska Streets. It is one of the few buildings of its kind in Poland and is a priceless example of wooden park architecture.
Interruption and continuation in the interwar period
After the First World War, Germany’s situation was not the best, so that the development of the district was halted and many villas stood empty. This state of affairs changed in the 1920s and 1930s, after Poland regained its independence. It was then that Sołacz became a popular and desirable place of residence for representatives of the intelligentsia, officers, officials and university teachers. At that time, new villas were built, including more impressive multi-family buildings, as well as modernist buildings with elements of functionalism. Joseph Stübben’s original plan, however, was never fully realised. One of the most important buildings in the district is the neo-classical St. John Vianney Church, erected between 1928 and 1930 to a design by Stanisław Mieczkowski. The church was built on a rotunda plan and covered by a dome with a lantern, making it a very interesting architectural feature and a landmark of the district. On the south side of the park, meanwhile, is a World War II shelter. It is a so-called covered air raid shelter of corridor construction with two entrances, hidden under a layer of earth. The building is a reminder of the hard fate of Poznan. Some villas are still marked with bullet marks from the war.
Sołacz – its nature and cultural heritage
Sołacz lies in the valley of the Bogdanka river and is distinguished by its natural wealth of flora and fauna. Rare plant species grow in the park and in the surrounding areas, and many species of birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and insects live among this greenery. In addition, the ecological character of the district is emphasised by the presence of a dendrological and pharmacognostic garden. In 1983, the entire urban-architectural complex was entered in the register of monuments. Today, Sołacz remains one of the most prestigious districts in Poznań. Its charming architecture, proximity to green areas and intimate atmosphere invariably attract residents. Recently, many historic villas have undergone meticulous renovations while preserving their original architectural form. New buildings are also being erected in Sołacz to complement the existing development. Modern developments, designed with respect for the historical urban layout, are characterised by a subdued form and high quality materials. Thanks to this, the green enclave continues to develop without losing its unique identity.
Source: miastopoznaj.pl, poznanskiefyrtle.pl
See also: Architecture in Poland | Urbanism | History | Villas and residences | Poznan | whiteMAD on Instagram
Sołacz development in 1924 and 2024. Photo: MKZ in Poznań and Google Earth
