Tourist routes in Warsaw: Second World War monuments

During the Second World War the capital of Poland was grazed to the ground. The left-bank Warsaw suffered the most, its buildings almost completely demolished, turned to ruins. Modern day city has an absolutely different character. In memory of people who lived here in the past, some historic areas were preserved.

Warsaw Uprising Monument / Shutterstock

Warsaw Uprising Monument

This monument was unveiled on 1^st August 1989 on the 45^th anniversary of the start of the Uprising. It can be found on the east side of Krasińskich Square, near the place where the Warsaw resistance evacuated from the Old Town to the city centre using the sewers. There are 2 parts to the monument - bronze figures of the insurgents, running out from underneath a huge concrete block, symbolise the outbreak of the Uprising and the figures standing above the manhole covers symbolise its end. On the back wall of the 1^st part there is a relief showing wartime posters and orders as well as information on the sculptors and history of the monument. The sculpture, designed by Wincenty Kućma i Jacek Budyn, raised mixed emotions among Varsovians. It was criticised as a return to social realism in style, for its shameful portrayal of a national disaster and for deepening national discord. Before its construction, discussions about its design and location went on for over a dozen years. From 1980 various competitions (including one won by the Kućma and Budyna design) were organised as well as a gathering of donations and materials for the monument.