There is in Warsaw a nice, triangular square hidden between busy Marszałkowska and Świętokrzyska streets. It’s called Plac Grzybowski (Mushroom Square). It’s a place with a long history going back to the 17th century, when Jan Grzybowski was forming this part of the city. It’s where the name of the square comes from.

Now it’s mostly associated with Jewish culture, as Plac Grzybowski was a part of the Jewish ghetto for some time during World War II. Nearby the square there is a synagogue that reminds one of those times. There are also plans to build a new Jewish Theatre in the tenement by the square. And last but not least, Plac Grzybowski is a place where a Jewish festival called Singer’s Warsaw is held every year between August and September.

Plac Grzybowski is a nice place full of trees and plants. In the middle there is a small lake with a fountain. It’s my oasis of peace when I’m in the centre of Warsaw and I need to slow down a bit and take a short break.

When you’re there, have a look also at Próżna street, especially at the renovated tenement right on the corner with the square. You can feel a bit of the spirit of prewar Warsaw there. It’s mostly thanks to the fact that 4 buildings on the street were not destroyed during World War II, despite being a part of Warsaw ghetto where almost every building was leveled to the ground.