Grunwald Monument, Memorial statue at Matejko Square, Krakow, Poland
The Grunwald Monument stands on Matejko Square in Krakow and depicts an equestrian bronze of King Władysław II Jagiełło. Several armored soldiers surround the base while a fallen knight lies beneath the horse.
Pianist Ignacy Jan Paderewski financed the monument to mark the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Grunwald in 1410. After German forces destroyed it during World War II, reconstruction took place in 1976 following the original plans.
Sculptor Antoni Wiwulski created the work in a romantic style, showing the king seated on a powerful horse surrounded by footsoldiers. Reliefs around the base depict scenes from medieval life and help visitors picture the atmosphere of the time.
The monument stands in the northern part of Krakow's Old Town, easily reached from the train station and main market square. Many guided tours start here or stop by, as the square is open and makes a good meeting place.
More than 160,000 people attended the unveiling ceremony in 1910, making it one of the largest public gatherings in Krakow before World War I. The 1976 version was cast from different bronze sources because the original metal parts were taken to Germany and never recovered.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
