The nearly thirteen-metre-high monument delighted the gathered not only with its careful workmanship, but also with its plinth, on which the inscription "To the glory of the forefathers – to the brothers for encouragement" was placed. In addition to the figure of the Polish king, the monument was also decorated with other bronze statues – the figure of a peasant breaking the shackles, the Lithuanian prince Vytautas, the dead Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights Ulrich von Jungingen, collecting the scattered banners of the knight and his squire, and a Lithuanian warrior blowing a horn.
In November 1939, the Grunwald Monument was demolished by the German occupiers, and its fragments were taken deep into the Reich.
In 1972, the Committee for the Reconstruction of the Grunwald Monument was established, which commissioned Marian Konieczny – a renowned local sculptor – to reconstruct the monument. Four years later – on 16 October 1976 – the monument was unveiled. In front of it, there is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – a symbolic marble slab designed by architect...
Read morePomnik Bitwy pod Grunwaldem – A Monument to Polish History and Victory
The Monument to the Battle of Grunwald is an iconic tribute to one of the most significant battles in Polish history, where Polish-Lithuanian forces triumphed over the Teutonic Knights in 1410. This impressive structure captures the spirit of victory and resilience, standing tall in Kraków as a reminder of Poland’s rich and powerful past.
The monument is located in a bustling area, making it easy to visit while exploring the city. It’s near public transportation, with trams and buses close by, so getting here is convenient. The statue itself is awe-inspiring, with incredible detail in its design, reflecting the bravery and unity of the forces that fought in the battle.
Visitors interested in Polish history, particularly the medieval period, will find this monument to be a must-see. Whether you’re passing through the area or intentionally seeking out historical landmarks, the Monument to the Battle of Grunwald is an impressive stop that connects you with Poland’s national...
Read moreThe equestrian statues always impress me the most. They just look more regal in my eyes. This one commemorates the 500th anniversary of the 1410 Battle of Grunwald. Unfortunately, the original statue of 1910 was destroyed during the invasion of Poland. There are still pieces of the original statue in the Museum of Kraków. I saw what appeared to be the a head from the statue at the Oskar Schindler museum, although I'm not sure if it's replicated or the original.
It's placed in the perfect place. It's just outside the Barbican near the start of the Royal Route that leads to the castle. It's certainly difficult to miss seeing it when walking towards the Academy of Fine Arts. It's right there on Matejko Square. There is a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of it. It's a place of victory and remembrance.
This is also where you can get a beautiful picture of the Barbican towers. It was a...
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