Homo Sovieticus - Communist walking tour around Praga Północ｜Poland

We meet at one of the few Soviet-era memorials still standing, the Kościuszko Infantry Division Memorial, right on the river. We will start by discussing the situation in Praga just as WW2 was coming to a close, including why the area avoided the destruction that happened across the river during the uprising. Then we head up the road and go to one of the former NKVD headquarters where we will discuss the activities of the future-KGB here in Warsaw. And next, we have a few stops that will shift focus and discuss culture during the Communist era, the Praga Backyard Band Memorial and Kino Praha. And then one of the highlights of the tour, Różycki Bazaar, we will discuss shortages, shopping and the black market before walking through the bazaar, then guests will have a little time in case they wish to buy a souvenir to take home. We will then see a very picturesque cathedral and discuss the role of religion during the communist era, including the Polish Pope John Paul 2nd. Next, we will check out the tribute to one of Poland's greatest footballers Kazimierz Deyna. Talk about sport during the PRL, including the famous match against England and if we are lucky peek into the famous shoe shop next door. We will head up to one of the other highlights of the tour and go inside an NKVD interrogation room preserved by the city. Some of the other stops along the way include: Praga's famous courtyard shrines, the street where they filmed the Pianist (an opportunity to discuss the Łódź film school and some of Scorsese's favourite movies), some of Praga's famous street art/murals. We finish within walking distance of Praga Koneser, a former vodka factory now a nice place to hang out, eat something or buy some souvenirs.