Golden Uhlan, Bronze equestrian monument in Kałuszyn, Poland.
The Golden Uhlan is an 8-meter tall bronze equestrian statue with gilded finish depicting Lieutenant Andrzej Żyliński, sculpted by Robert Sobociński. The monument weighs approximately 30 tons and stands along National Road 2 between Warsaw and Moscow, where it is clearly visible to passing travelers.
The monument was erected in 1993 to commemorate a 1939 cavalry victory in Kałuszyn when forces under Lieutenant Żyliński's command liberated the town. This battle had been misunderstood or overlooked for decades until the monument was built to recognize the actual role Polish cavalry played during the war.
The monument serves as a symbol of Polish cavalry heritage and national pride in military tradition that extends beyond warfare into broader cultural identity. Visitors can observe how a local site becomes a gathering point reflecting values important to the community.
The site is easily accessible from the main road and sits directly along a major route, making it visible to drivers passing through. The best time to visit is during daylight hours with good lighting to see the details of the gilded bronze clearly.
This was Poland's first gilded monument of its kind, funded entirely by a London businessman who happened to be the son of the honored officer. This financial support from the diaspora reveals a personal connection that transformed a local battle into a family legacy.
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