Let me present you the Matejko Square which has a fascinating history in Krakow. Not many public places are named after someone who was still alive, but that’s exactly what happened with the famous painter Jan Matejko. Recognizing his immense talent, the city council of Krakow made him an honorary citizen. An impressive gesture, don’t you think?
Matejko Square – Short History of Kraków
Jan Matejko Square wasn’t always as we know it today. I think it’s worth mentioning that, back in the mid-nineteenth century, it and Rynek Kleparski were one enormous marketplace. They were the heart of the separate city of Kleparz, which is now part of Krakow.
The division of these two areas happened when two monumental buildings were erected:
- the State Railways Management
- and the Academy of Fine Arts.
I can tell you, it created a grand northern entrance to the city. Even today, it’s a sight to behold – especially when coming from Warsaw. Just imagine the impressive panorama of medieval defensive walls with the Barbican smiling at you. It’s a sight that has delighted visitors for many years, and I am convinced it will continue to do so.
↳ Make sure to read my guide to the most amazing places to stay in Kraków:
How to Find Best Place to Stay in Krakow Old Town – Your Guide
The Square For Honoring Matejko – The Living Legend
When you’re there, you need to know about the unique honor granted to Jan Matejko. The city council of Krakow didn’t just make him an honorary citizen. They also associated the new name of the square with him. A truly remarkable tribute to this great artist’s contribution to the city.
Right in the middle of the square stands the Grunwald monument. This monument is not just a statue but a celebration of the 500th anniversary of an epic battle. A battle where the Polish-Lithuanian army came out victorious against the Teutonic Order. It’s worth saying, the monument isn’t just any monument. It’s an equestrian statue of the Polish king Władysław Jagiełło, put up back in 1910.
The inscription on the pedestal of the monument reads:
„For the glory of the forefathers – for the encouragement of the brothers”.
Picture this. Back then, Poland wasn’t even on the map and Kraków was under the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The person who funded the monument was none other than the world-famous pianist Ignacy Jan Paderewski. I think, it’s pretty cool that music and hstory could intertwine so beautifully.
Grunwald Monument Built in Secrecy
The story doesn’t end there. The construction process of the monument has a bit of mystery to it. It was built in strict secrecy. Can you believe it? Even the sculptor, Antoni Wiwulski, didn’t know what his project would ultimately serve as.
Fast forward to July 15, 1910. The monument was finally unveiled. It was the central event in the celebrations marking the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Grunwald. The unveiling wasn’t just an event, it became a patriotic demonstration that attracted nearly 150,000 people.
Ignacy Jan Paderewski, the man who funded the monument, then addressed the crowd. He made it clear that the monument wasn’t built out of hatred, but out of a deep love for the homeland and its promising future.
Being there, you need to know, this monument tells a story of patriotism, secrecy, and history all in one go. And that, I believe, is what makes it special. Let me tell you about this intriguing monument. It features a sculpture of King Władysław Jagiełło riding a horse, placed on top of a pedestal.
On the front side, there’s a figure of the Grand Duke of Lithuania Vytautas, the commanding officer of the Lithuanian army during the Battle of Grunwald and cousin of Jagiełło. Below him, you can see Witold, lost in contemplation, looking down at the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order, Ulrich von Jungingen, lying at his feet.
The Destruction and Rebirth of the Monument
In 1939, the monument was destroyed by the Nazis. However, its reconstruction only took place in 1976. But it wasn’t just a simple restoration. They integrated the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier into the stairs leading up to the pedestal. This addition was de\dicated to the memory of those who gave their lives during World War I and the Bolshevik War.
If you take a closer look, you’ll see a special plaque placed there in 1925. It bears the following inscription:
„To the unknown Polish soldier who died for the Homeland 1914-1920”.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, tragically, was also destroyed during World War II, along with the entire Grunwald Monument. However, upon its reconstruction on Matejko Square, a metal candle with the names of places where Polish soldiers fought and died was added to the slab.
So being there, you need to know that this monument is more than just a tribute to historical figures. It also represents the undying spirit of those who risked everything for their homeland.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krak%C3%B3w
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Square,_Krak%C3%B3w
- https://www.gpsmycity.com/attractions/jan-matejko-house-19329.html
