Jozef Pilsudski Monument

Józef Piłsudski was born in 1867 in a small estate in Lithuania, into a family with noble roots. His father was a participant in the Polish uprising of 1863, which probably laid the foundation for Józef's struggle for Poland's independence. After high school in Vilnius, Józef attempted to study medicine, but his life path changed drastically after being arrested for involvement in anti-tsarist activities. He spent 5 years in exile in Siberia, which only strengthened his resolve to fight for Poland's freedom.

Upon returning, he actively engaged in revolutionary activities, becoming one of the leaders of the Polish Socialist Party. Józef not only dreamed of independence, he took action: creating combat organizations, seeking support abroad, participating in the 1905 revolution.

The outbreak of World War I was a chance for Piłsudski to realize his dream of an independent Poland. He formed Polish military units, fought, and even was captured by the Germans, from whom he was released during the revolutionary events in Germany.

On November 11, 1918, a day now celebrated as Independence Day in Poland, Piłsudski took control of the country. He not only formed the government but also actively participated in defining the borders of the new state, often ignoring international recommendations and acting in Poland's interests.

In 1920, during the Polish-Soviet War, Piłsudski executed a decisive maneuver near Warsaw, which entered history as the "Miracle on the Vistula" – significantly affecting the future of Poland and Europe.

In 1926, he staged a coup d'état and effectively ruled Poland until his death in 1935, remaining a symbol of the struggle for independence and the creator of the new state. His policy, despite controversial points, was aimed at strengthening Poland as an independent state on the international stage.

Józef Piłsudski died in May 1935 of cancer. His body was buried in the Wawel Cathedral in Kraków. In 1936, the heart of the marshal and founder of the modern Polish state was interred in his mother's grave in Vilnius.

Statue, made of bronze and granite, stands at a height of 3 meters (9.8 feet). It is situated near Piłsudski's Square and the Hotel Europejski. The monument features the inscriptions "Józef Piłsudski" and "Marshal of Poland".

Statue itself was cast in the Polish Navy Shipyards and was unveiled on August 14, 1995, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Warsaw, which Piłsudski commanded. The unveiling ceremony was attended by the President of Poland at the time, Lech Wałęsa, and Piłsudski's daughter, Jadwiga Piłsudska.

The choice of monuments current location has been a subject of controversy. Tadeusz Łodziana, the statue's designer, expressed his opposition to the location in a letter just before the unveiling, citing concerns about the monument's isolation from most ceremonies held on the square. Additionally, some have criticized the fact that the placement of the monument often leads Polish soldiers to face away from it during the guard change ceremony at the nearby Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Warsaw, and during observances for Polish Independence Day, considering it disrespectful.

On national holidays, an honor guard stands near the monument, and it is customary to lay flowers at the base of the monument.