Adam Mickiewicz Monument, Kraków

Adam Mickiewicz Monument in Kraków, ( _pl. Pomnik Adama Mickiewicza w Krakowie), is one of the best known bronze monuments in Poland, and a favourite meeting place at the Main Market Square in the Old Town district of Kraków.

The statue of Adam Mickiewicz, the greatest Polish Romantic poet of the 19th century, was unveiled in 1898, on the 100th anniversary of his birth, in the presence of his daughter and son. It was designed by Teodor Rygier, a little known sculptor at the time, who won the third and final competition for this project ahead of over 60 artists in total, the famous painter Jan Matejko included.

Even though the first prize was awarded to Cyprian Godebski, with Rygier at a close second, for the final execution a more popular design by Rygier was accepted with a contract signed in November 1889. Right from the start, the Monument was a source of heated debate among Cracovians, forcing the sculptor to make many changes.

The monument came into being at a studio on Długa Street under the supervision of an artistic committee. All figures were cast in the Nellich foundry in Rome. The final location of the monument was not decided at once, with at least three other city squares taken into consideration. Ultimately, it was the city Mayor who suggested that the structure be placed at the Main Market Square instead.

In 1940 the Monument was destroyed by the Nazis following German invasion of Poland and was not to be seen in the Square until its restoration in 1955. However, most of the figures were recovered from a Hamburg scrap metal heap in 1946, which allowed for restoring of the Monument's original appearance.

Adam Mickiewicz had himself never been to Kraków. 35 years after his death, in 1890, his remains were brought there from Paris and ceremoniously laid to rest in the crypt under the Wawel Cathedral, which partially inspired the project.

Every year on Christmas Eve Adam Mickiewicz Monument is decorated with flowers by the florists of Kraków.

References

* [http://www.krakow.pl/en/miasto/abc/?id=18.html Adam Mickiewicz Monument] at the City's official website.
* [http://www.inyourpocket.com/poland/krakow/sightseeing/venue/31309-Adam_Mickiewicz.html About Adam Mickiewicz Monument]
* [http://members.optushome.com.au/renatachylinski/krakow.htm Monument mentioned at members.optushome.com.au]
* [http://www.thevisitor.pl/zabytkicentrummiasta.php About Adam Mickiewicz Monument at www.thevisitor.pl]