Sigismund's Column

Sigismund III Vasa (20 June 1566 – 30 April 1632) was the King of Poland and the Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1587 to 1632, as well as the King of Sweden and the Grand Duke of Finland from 1592 to 1599. Known for his religious convictions and efforts to impose Catholicism, he led Poland during a period of prosperity, including the relocation of the capital to Warsaw.

Sigismund was born to King John III of Sweden and his first wife Catherine Jagiellon, daughter of King Sigismund I of Poland. After his election as the monarch of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1587, he sought to unite Poland and Sweden under a single Catholic kingdom. Following the death of his father in 1592, the Polish-Swedish Union was established. However, opposition from Protestant factions in Sweden and a war with his uncle Charles IX ended with his deposition in 1599.

Throughout his reign, Sigismund sought to consolidate absolute power across his dominions, often undermining the authority of parliament. He suppressed internal opposition, bolstered Catholic influence, and granted privileges to the Jesuits, who served as advisors and spies during the Counter-Reformation. He actively intervened in the affairs of neighboring countries, including invading Russia during the Time of Troubles, which temporarily gave him control over Moscow and Smolensk. Additionally, Sigismund's military triumphs included defeating the Ottoman forces in southeastern Europe, contributing to the downfall of Sultan Osman II. However, the Polish–Swedish conflict yielded less favorable results. After a series of skirmishes and a truce, King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden launched a campaign against the Commonwealth, annexing parts of Polish Livonia.

Sigismund's legacy in Poland remains contentious. As one of the nation's most recognizable monarchs, his lengthy reign coincided with the Polish Golden Age, a period of high prestige, power, and economic influence for the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. However, his rule also saw the early signs of decline. While he made significant contributions to the arts, architecture, and military victories, these accomplishments were marred by intrigue and religious persecutions.

The column was built between 1643 and 1644 under the command of King Władysław IV Vasa, the son and successor of Sigismund. It was designed by Constantino Tencalla, an architect of Italian origin, and Clemente Molli, a sculptor. The casting was done by Daniel Tym. Sigismund's Column drew inspiration from column-shaped monuments in Italy, particularly the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, constructed in 1614 according to designs by Carlo Maderno, as well as the Column of Phocas in Rome. King Władysław Vasa had seen both of these monuments during his visit to Rome in 1625.

In 1681, a wooden fence was erected around the monument, which was later replaced with a permanent iron fence.

Over the following centuries, the marble column itself underwent several renovations, notably in 1743, 1810, 1821, and 1828. In 1854, a fountain with marble tritons sculpted by August Kiss, a German artist, was added to the surroundings of the monument.

In 1863, the column underwent further renovations but still required additional work. Between 1885 and 1887, it was replaced entirely with a new granite column. From 1927 to 1930, the monument underwent another restoration, returning it to its original appearance by removing the fountain and the fence.

On September 1, 1944, during the Warsaw Uprising, the column's column was destroyed by the Germans, and the bronze statue atop it was severely damaged. After the war, the statue was repaired, and in 1949, it was placed on a new column made of granite from the Strzegom mine. The new location was a few meters away from the original site. The fragments of the original broken column can still be seen lying next to the Royal Castle.

On the side of the pedestal facing the Krakowskie Przedmieście is a plaque bearing these words in the finest lettering:

"King Sigismund III, by virtue of free election King of Poland, by virtue of inheritance, succession and law - King of Sweden, in love of peace and fame the first among kings, in war and victories not inferior to anyone, took prisoners of Tsar and Moscow chiefs, he conquered the capital and lands [of Moscow], defeated the Russian army, regained Smolensk, broke the power of Turkey near Khotyn, ruled for forty-four years, in the forty-fourth king"