Poniatowski Bridge

The neo-Renaissance towers at both ends of the bridge look like fortress gates, and for good reason: the tsarist military authorities insisted on them. Poniatowski Bridge, nicknamed Poniatoszczak by Varsovians, links Jerusalem Avenue (Aleje Jerozolimskie) with the Praga and Saska Kępa districts. Together with its 700-metre viaduct over the riverside Powiśle district, it is one of Warsaw's most recognisable sights.

History: blown up twice

The bridge was built in 1904–1913 as the Nicholas Bridge, named after Tsar Nicholas II; Warsaw was then part of the Russian Empire. It is 506 metres long, and the whole route with the viaduct and approaches measured more than 3.5 km. Its architectural design was by Stefan Szyller. A corruption scandal broke out during construction: the engineer in charge took bribes worth about 100,000 roubles and went to prison.

As early as 1915 the retreating Russians blew up two piers. Rebuilt in 1921–1927, the bridge was named after Prince Józef Poniatowski. On 12 May 1926 President Stanisław Wojciechowski and Józef Piłsudski met on it, but their talk did not prevent Piłsudski's May coup. On 13 September 1944 the Germans blew the bridge up. After rebuilding it reopened on 22 July 1946, and for three years it was the only tram link between the left bank and Praga.

What to see

• The towers and pavilions at the bridge approaches and along the viaduct, restored in 2004–2005. The stone cartouche with the Warsaw Mermaid has returned to the tower by the Polish Army Museum.
• The view from the pavement over the Vistula, the National Stadium and the city-centre skyline.
• Poniatówka beach on the Praga side and the beach volleyball courts under the bridge.
• A fragment of the old span raised from the riverbed, displayed by Świętokrzyski Bridge at the corner of Tamka and Zajęcza streets.

Interesting facts

Locals called it the Third Bridge, although it was the city's fourth permanent bridge: the two bridges by the Citadel were treated as one. When the water is low, remains of the stone benches that stood on the piers before the war can be seen in the river.

Tripto tip

The bridge is best crossed on foot from Powiśle to Praga, starting at Solec Street. Since 2022 lifts in the towers by Solec have made it easier to get from street level up to the viaduct. On the way you can drop down to the Vistula Boulevards, and on the far side walk on to the National Stadium and Poniatówka beach. The walk across takes about 10–15 minutes one way.