Enigma cryptologist monument in Poznań

The Enigma cryptologist monument in Poznań is a triangular stone prism standing on the grounds of the former Imperial Castle. It displays mathematical sequences and explanatory plaques documenting how three mathematicians broke the code of German military communications during World War II.

The three honored mathematicians studied at Poznań University before being recruited by the Polish military to break the Enigma code. Their work in the 1930s proved crucial for early decryption of German messages, knowledge later shared with the Allies.

The memorial marks Poznań's recognition of its scientific heritage and the role of Polish mathematicians in resisting foreign occupation. Today, visitors can see how the city has made this intellectual achievement a visible part of its public identity.

The monument stands outdoors on easily accessible grounds next to the former castle. A nearby cipher center offers in-depth exhibits about encryption methods and the mathematical procedures used to decode German communications.

Marian Rejewski, one of the three cryptologists, developed the mathematical foundations for Enigma decryption entirely independently of British efforts. This Polish intellectual breakthrough is often overlooked, yet it laid the groundwork for later Allied work.

GPS coordinates: 52.40750,16.91920

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:26