The aim of this study is to introduce the phenomenon that is Nowa Huta, which since 1951 has been one of Krakow’s districts, although in 1949 it was planned as a separate city – a symbol of socialist construction in the People’s Republic of Poland. The plans adopted by the communist authorities to rebuild Poland were centred on the development of heavy industry. Hence, it was decided to build a steel and metallurgical plant northeast of Krakow. This decision was met with protests from the inhabitants of the villages being redeveloped, as they were not only forcibly displaced, but received low compensation for the fertile black soil. The first residents of Nowa Huta were people coming from rural areas. They formed a mixture of habits and views with different, sometimes foreign, traditions and customs. This syncretism of customs, culture and education gave rise to tensions which were also exacerbated by separation from family oversight. This created a phenomenon called ‘double background’. In addition to this was the upbringing in the Catholic faith. The people of Nowa Huta demanded the construction of a temple, which did not line up with the plans of those in power to create a God-free city here. This tension escalated in April 1960, when in defence of the cross they clashed with the security forces. In the end, the church was not built, but the cross standing at the intersection of Mayakovsky and Marx streets remained intact. Nowa Huta is a special place also for its unique architecture, and its self-sufficiency – kindergartens, schools, health centres and shops are all within walking distance. It is also distinguished by the greenery of the parks, meadows and trees growing between the blocks.