Giewont Cross, Monumental cross on Giewont Mountain, Poland.
Giewont Cross is a 15-meter-tall metal monument standing on the summit of Giewont Mountain in the Tatra range near Zakopane. The structure consists of 400 iron elements with a horizontal crossbeam that stands out sharply against the sky.
Zakopane parish priest Kazimierz Kaszelewski initiated construction in August 1901 to commemorate the 1900th anniversary of the birth of Christ. Volunteers carried the iron parts up the steep mountainside to complete the assembly.
The Latin inscription on the arms honors the restoration of salvation and connects religious faith with alpine symbolism. Hikers often pause to regard the monument, which has served as a spiritual landmark in the Tatra range for over a century.
The summit lies about two to three hours on foot from trailheads in Zakopane and requires sure footing on rocky terrain. During thunderstorms, visitors should stay away from the cross because it acts as a lightning rod.
Lightning strikes the structure multiple times each year, which led to a tragic incident in 1937 when four people lost their lives. Despite this danger, the monument remains a popular destination for mountain hikers seeking the summit view.
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