Podkowa Leśna
Podkowa Leśna is a town in Grodzisk Mazowiecki County, Masovian Voivodeship of Poland and located within the territory of the Młochowskie Forests. The town also has the status of gmina, meaning "commune". Population – ca. 4000.
Located in a beautiful setting not far from Warsaw, the town has an interesting collection of villas dating back to the interwar period, along with newly built modern family homes and mansions. Forests surround the city on three sides from the east, south, and north. Peacocks freely wonder around the town. It is considered by some to be "Warsaw's bedroom" given its relaxing, natural environment and close proximity to the capital of Poland, Warsaw.
History
The town was designed in 1925 by Anthony Jawornicki and is based on the principles of the garden city movement. Its growth was aided by the construction of the Warsaw Commuter Railway in 1927 which has 3 stations located in the town. Due to the town being served by this light railway line, it is easily accessed from central Warsaw.On 1 September 1939, the first day of World War II, bombs fell on Podkowa Leśna that the Luftwaffe had intended for Warsaw. Afterwards, it was occupied by Germany until 17 January 1945, when the Soviets entered Podkowa Leśna.
On 1 January 1969, it obtained town status.
It is historically has attracted residents from the arts, culture and politics and is increasingly popular with wealthy professionals and business people. The town is one of the wealthiest in Poland.