Podwale Street, Historic street next to Old Town walls in Warsaw, Poland
Podwale Street is a curving street approximately 500 meters long that runs along the western edge of the Old Town, descending from Castle Square toward the Barbican fortification and crossing several elevation changes due to the sloped terrain. The traffic-facing side holds numerous restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating, while the opposite side offers a walking path with views of the remaining town walls.
This street originated in medieval times as part of the city's defensive perimeter, originally serving as a narrow passage running alongside the protective wall. During World War II, it suffered severe destruction when a German ammunition vehicle exploded here in 1944 during the Warsaw Uprising, killing hundreds of civilians and fighters.
The street takes its name from the ancient defensive walls that once enclosed the Old Town, a connection still visible in how the street winds along this former boundary. Walking here, you can feel how this old frontier continues to shape the neighborhood's character.
The street is easy to reach on foot from nearby areas and offers different walking options on each side depending on your preference for traffic or peace. Be prepared for the sloped terrain with uneven elevation changes that require careful footing, especially when carrying luggage or pushing strollers.
Horse-drawn trams run along this street during warmer months, a relic from earlier eras that provides an authentic taste of how transport once looked in the city. These vehicles create a striking contrast with the modern surroundings and draw both locals and visitors who seek a genuine historical experience.
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