Adam Mickiewicz Monument (Krakow)

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Adam Mickiewicz Monument in Krakow
Adam Mickiewicz Monument, Main Market Square in Krakow
Muse of poetry, south

The Adam Mickiewicz Monument in Krakow ( Polish: Pomnik Adama Mickiewicza w Krakowie ) is one of the most famous bronze statues in Poland and a popular meeting place on the main market in Krakow's old town . Krakow's citizens also call the monument “Adaś” (diminutive of “Adam”) for short.

The statue of Adam Mickiewicz , the greatest Polish romantic of the 19th century, was unveiled on June 16, 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 of the time, who won the third and final selection round for this project “by popular request” as one of over 60 artists including Jan Matejko .

Even if the first prize went to the famous Cyprian Godebski , professor at the Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg , and Rygier only received second place, the more popular Rygier design was chosen for the final execution and the contracts were signed in November 1889. At the poet's feet, four allegorical groups symbolize the fatherland (from the front of the monument along Sienna Street), science (towards the north), courage (towards the Cloth Hall ) and poetry (towards the Adalbertkirche , south). On the pedestal is the inscription " Adamowi Mickiewiczowi NARÓD " (German: For Adam Mickiewicz, the nation ).

history

The memorial was created in a studio on Długa Street under the supervision of an artistic committee. All figures were made in the Nellich foundry in Rome. The final position of the monument was not decided at once, however, at least three other places were included in the considerations. Finally, the mayor suggested positioning them on the main market.

Destruction of the Mickiewicz monument by the Germans on August 17, 1940

On August 17, 1940, the monument was destroyed by German troops during the occupation of Poland from 1939 to 1945. In 1946, most of the figures were rediscovered in Hamburg in a so-called bell cemetery (assembly point for the purpose of melting down for the armament of confiscated bells and other non-ferrous metal works), which allowed the monument to be restored to its original appearance. The reconstruction was unveiled on November 26, 1955.

Adam Mickiewicz himself was never in Krakow. 35 years after his death, in 1890, his remains were transferred from Paris to the St. Leonhard's Crypt under Kraków's Cathedral , which partially inspired the project. The original idea was then further developed by the youth at the universities.

On Christmas Eve, the Adam Mickiewicz monument is decorated with flowers by Krakow florists.

Web links

Commons : Adam Mickiewicz Monument (Krakow)  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files

Coordinates: 50 ° 3 ′ 41 ″  N , 19 ° 56 ′ 16 ″  E