Wolica – a Stubborn Village on the Outskirts of Warsaw

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present the history of the former village of Wolica, located at the Warsaw Escarpment. Wolica was firstly mentioned in 15th century. The village was the property of many noble families like the Potocki, the Branicki and even to King Jan III Sobieski. For over 500 years Wolica did not stand out at all. Surprisingly, it began to make its mark in the 20th century, when it was incorporated to the capital. Despite the progressing urbanisation of Warsaw, it retained its rural character. The author, an ethnology student, focuses on the spatial changes in Wolica. To prove her point, she cites some of interviews with the locals, which were conducted during her field research in Wolica, that continues.