Adam Mickiewicz Monument, Kraków

The Adam Mickiewicz Monument in Kraków (Polish: Pomnik Adam Mickiewicz in Krakow ) is one of the famous bronze statues in Poland and a popular meeting place on the Main Market Square in Kraków's Old Town. From residents of Kraków, the monument also abbreviated to " Adaś " ( diminutive of "Adam" ) is called.

The statue of Adam Mickiewicz, the greatest Polish Romantics of the 19th century, was unveiled on June 16, 1898, his 100th birthday in the presence of his daughter and his son. It was designed by Teodor Rygier, a little-known sculptor of the time, considered one of over 60 artists including Jan Matejko, won the third and final round of selection for this project, " by popular demand ".

Even if the first prize at the famous Cyprian Godebski, a professor at the Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg, went and Rygier only got the second place, the more popular style of Rygier was for the eventual execution chosen and signed contracts in November 1889. At the feet of the poet symbolize four allegorical groups the Fatherland ( from the front side of the monument along Sienna Street), Science ( in the north ), Courage (toward Cloth Hall ) and poetry ( in the direction of St. Adalbert's Church, South). On the pedestal is the inscription " Adamowi Mickiewiczowi narod " is ( Eng.: the nation for Adam Mickiewicz ).

History

The monument was built in a studio in Długa road under the supervision of an artistic committee. All figures were made ​​in the Nellich foundry in Rome. The final position of the monument, however, was not decided at once, at least three other places were included in the considerations with. Finally, the mayor suggested to position it on the main market square.

On August 17, 1940, the monument was destroyed by German troops during the invasion of Poland. 1946 most of the figures were rediscovered in Hamburg on a metal scrap heap, which allowed the restoration of the monument in its original appearance. On November 26, 1955, the reconstruction could be revealed.

Adam Mickiewicz himself was never in Krakow. 35 years after his death, 1890, his remains were transferred from Paris to St. Leonhard's crypt under the cathedral of Cracow, what the project is inspired in part. The original idea was then further developed by the youth at the universities.

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