Małaszewicze has two very different stories: the transfer of goods between broad and standard gauge, and an airfield whose development dates back to the period before the Second World War. There is also a brick parish church from the late 20th century. This combination gives your trip planning a clear focus: you can consider railway infrastructure, aviation history and more recent sacred architecture as locally rooted themes.
Małaszewicze as a railway hub
Małaszewicze lies on the E-20 railway hub, which connects Europe and Asia. Małaszewicze’s freight transport profile includes the transfer of goods between broad-gauge and standard-gauge rail vehicles. The “dry” PKP transshipment port is considered internationally significant and is described as one of the largest in Europe. E-20 places the town on a long-distance rail connection; transshipment, by contrast, refers to the change between track gauges. The location at the hub and the specific role of freight transshipment are thus two distinct but complementary aspects.
For road orientation, Małaszewicze is 1 km south of National Road 2, designated as European route E-30. While E-20 refers to the railway hub and its connection between Europe and Asia, the road information gives the direction and distance to the national road. These provide two clearly distinct reference points for understanding the town’s transport links.
Airfield history before the Second World War
Construction of the air force base in Małaszewicze began in 1936 at the initiative of the Ministry of Military Affairs. The airfield officially began operations in spring 1939. By summer 1939, 14 hangars and a runway made of compacted clay had been built. The development also included ancillary facilities, barracks, administrative buildings, garages, warehouses, rail sidings and a shooting range. The facilities therefore comprised not only hangars and a runway, but also administrative, accommodation and supply facilities.
By the outbreak of the Second World War, PZL-37 “Łoś” bombers, LWS4 “Żubr” bombers, “Focker” FVII transport aircraft and other aircraft were stationed there. The PZL-37s belonged to the XX Bomb Squadron, the 7th Training Squadron and the Aviation Supply Office. The airfield continues to hold an important place in local and national history in the first half of the 20th century. The aircraft types and organizational affiliations mentioned provide a specific military and aviation-historical context for this focus.
Parish church built between 1987 and 1991
Another historical layer is represented by the contemporary-style brick parish church in Małaszewicze. It was built from 1987 to 1991 at the initiative of parish priest Jan Grochowski. On 5 May 1991, Bishop Jan Mazur, the ordinary of the Diocese of Siedlce, consecrated the church. The town’s history thus brings together the airfield complex built before the Second World War and a sacred building from the late 20th century. The church’s construction period and consecration date can be distinguished: construction spanned several years, while the consecration took place on a specific date.
Kolejowe Muzeum Edukacyjne in the surrounding area
The Kolejowe Muzeum Edukacyjne is located near Małaszewicze, on Warszawska Street in Małaszewicze Duże. If you plan to visit, contact the owners by phone beforehand.
Discover more destinations: Bubel-Łukowiska, Rokitno, Cieleśnica, Biała Podlaska, Slawatycze, Meseritz, Grabanów, Pratulin.
For the broader travel overview: Bialski.
