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Adam Mickiewicz Monument, Krakow
Dominating the Main Market Square of Krakow's historic Old District stands the monument commemorating the renowned figure of the early 19th century, Adam Mickiewicz. Acknowledged as a paramount romantic poet in Poland's chronicles, Adam Mickiewicz is frequently hailed as a national luminary. His composition 'Pan Tadeusz' is also hailed as a Polish national saga, representing the pinnacle of creation from the Polish-Lithuanian heritage.
Adam Mickiewicz, one of the Three Bards, lived and toiled in exile during the partition of Poland, emerging as a national hero. His fervent dedication to Poland's struggle for freedom, transpiring within the domain of the Russian Empire, remains notable. Tragically, Mickiewicz never set foot on his native land again, drawing his last breath in Constantinople (Istanbul). Following his passing, his remains found temporary repose in an Istanbul crypt before being transported to Paris and interred in Montmorency. Only 35 years after his demise did he return to Krakow, finding his final resting place in the crypts of the Wawel Cathedral.
The statue gracing the Main Market Square was unveiled on June 16, 1898, commemorating the centenary of Adam Mickiewicz's birth. Crafted by the esteemed Teodor Rygier well before he gained widespread acclaim, the monument stands as a testament to Mickiewicz's enduring legacy.
In 1940, the Nazis demolished the monument after invading Poland. It remained absent from the Square until its reinstatement in 1955. Nonetheless, a significant portion of the sculptures were retrieved from a scrap metal pile in Hamburg in 1946. This retrieval facilitated the restoration of the Monument to its initial state.
Adam Mickiewicz, one of the Three Bards, lived and toiled in exile during the partition of Poland, emerging as a national hero. His fervent dedication to Poland's struggle for freedom, transpiring within the domain of the Russian Empire, remains notable. Tragically, Mickiewicz never set foot on his native land again, drawing his last breath in Constantinople (Istanbul). Following his passing, his remains found temporary repose in an Istanbul crypt before being transported to Paris and interred in Montmorency. Only 35 years after his demise did he return to Krakow, finding his final resting place in the crypts of the Wawel Cathedral.
The statue gracing the Main Market Square was unveiled on June 16, 1898, commemorating the centenary of Adam Mickiewicz's birth. Crafted by the esteemed Teodor Rygier well before he gained widespread acclaim, the monument stands as a testament to Mickiewicz's enduring legacy.
In 1940, the Nazis demolished the monument after invading Poland. It remained absent from the Square until its reinstatement in 1955. Nonetheless, a significant portion of the sculptures were retrieved from a scrap metal pile in Hamburg in 1946. This retrieval facilitated the restoration of the Monument to its initial state.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Krakow. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Adam Mickiewicz Monument on Map
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Sight Name: Adam Mickiewicz Monument
Sight Location: Krakow, Poland (See walking tours in Krakow)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Krakow, Poland (See walking tours in Krakow)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Krakow, Poland
Create Your Own Walk in Krakow
Creating your own self-guided walk in Krakow is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Krakow Introduction Walking Tour
A unique entry on the list of the World Heritage Sights, Krakow is a recognized center of the academic, artistic and cultural life of Poland. Established in the 7th century as a tiny hamlet at the top of the Wawel Hill, overlooking the Vistula River, it is one of the country's oldest cities. Over the course of the next fifteen centuries it has evolved into the nation's second-largest... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Jewish Heritage Tour in Krakow
The Jewish community has been an integral part of Krakow since the late 13th century. On the eve of World War II, there were 60,000 Jews living in the city, mostly in the historic Kazimierz neighborhood, which accounted for a quarter of the local population. The old town square in Kazimierz was the center of Jewish life.
During the war, the Nazis separated ethnic Jews from the rest of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
During the war, the Nazis separated ethnic Jews from the rest of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour
Krakow, the center of religious life in Poland, was once considered “the Northern Rome” for its multitude of churches. Alongside the new temples continuing to appear in the city today, these remarkable sanctuaries, holding deep historical and cultural significance, still remain the most attractive and interesting to look at.
By far the most iconic of these is the Basilica of Saint Mary. A... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
By far the most iconic of these is the Basilica of Saint Mary. A... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Historical House Museums Tour
Well-preserved historical buildings can often tell the stories of their city more vividly than any history book. Krakow, the old capital and cultural center of Poland, for many years, has been the home of many important Poles. Today, their former residences have been converted into house museums where visitors can learn about their inhabitants and see what life was like in the past.
One such... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
One such... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles