During a renovation of a Warsaw empty building, city president Rafał Trzaskowski unveiled a cache of pre‑Uprising documents, photographs, maps and diaries that historians say could reshape knowledge of the occupation era.
Found Under Floor: Documents, Photographs, Diaries
During renovation of an abandoned building at Saskie Kępa, workers unearthed a sealed slab beneath the floor. The slab contained a collection of photos, maps and personal diaries from the period immediately preceding the Warsaw Uprising.
Content of the Cache: Everyday Life and Underground State
The material includes records describing the activities of the Underground State, as well as testimonials of daily life during the occupation—price lists for basic food items, for example, and the day‑to‑day experiences of Warsaw residents.
Economic Snapshots: Prices Before the Uprising
Among the finds is a detailed pricing list, noting that a dozen eggs cost 120 Polish zlotys just before the uprising—illustrating the extreme inflation and scarcity that marked that era.
Maps of East Prussia and Strategic Planning
Special maps depicting East Prussia were discovered, alongside notes that suggest the Home Army was debating how to respond to Soviet presence in Królewiec, offering insights into wartime strategy.
Applause and Next Steps: Research and Verification
Mayor Trzaskowski praised the staff who handled the find properly and announced that experts would soon examine the documents. He promised updates as the study progresses.