Most Poniatowskiego

Bridge, Urban Space

@. Most Poniatowskiego
architect. Stefan Szyller  engineers. Mieczysław Marszewski and Wacław Paszkowski
finished. 1913

The Poniatowski bridge was destroyed and rebuilt, during and after respectively, each successive war from its construction. It lost most of its' original character after its reconstruction in the 50's but you can still admire the original neo-rennaisance viaduct that leads up to it. The good news is that by 2012 its entire former glory will be restored. The viaduct is set upon beautiful expressionistic arches. And the roadway itself is decorated with towers and bench alcoves. I recommend getting off the tramstop just on the west side of the river and walk down the impresssive set of stairs. Closer to center it's also interesting to remember the pedestrian passage that connects the north and south side of Jerozolimskie, you enter through the Powisle station.

A poorly designed shopping gallery was partially finished below some of the arches. It's cheap and a waste of the potential of the gotham-esque space.

PS. Apparently when the water level is low in the Wisla you can see the remains of the destroyed elements of the birdge sticking out of the water from the Praga side.