Statue of Vladimir I of Kiev, Bronze monument near Greek Catholic Co-Cathedral in Gdańsk, Poland.
The Statue of Vladimir I stands in front of the Greek Catholic Co-Cathedral, displaying the historical ruler with a crown and cross in his hands. He holds a miniature representation of the Church of the Tithes from the 11th century, emphasizing his role in establishing a major religious tradition.
The monument commemorates Vladimir I, who made Christianity the official state religion of Kievan Rus in 988, marking a pivotal moment in Eastern European history. This decision fundamentally shaped the religious and cultural development of the entire region for centuries to come.
The inscriptions appear in four languages - Polish, Ukrainian, German, and English - reflecting how this figure connects different peoples and traditions. Its placement beside a Greek Catholic cathedral shows the role of Eastern Christianity in the region's identity.
The monument stands in front of the Greek Catholic Co-Cathedral and is easily visible and accessible from the street. Visitors can freely walk around the site during daylight hours and view the statue from different angles.
The bronze used for the statue came from Chernigov in Northern Ukraine, creating a direct link to sculptor Giennadij Jerszow's hometown. This choice transforms the monument into a material bridge connecting the two nations and their shared history.
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