Explore the History of Statues and Art in Krakow

Krakow is one of the oldest cities in Poland where you can find various pieces of art, monuments, and statues that pay homage to the rich history of Krakow.

HISTORY OF STATUES & ART IN KRAKOW

Ghetto Heroes Square

The 33 memorial chairs of iron and bronze in Ghetto Heroes Square (Plac Bohaterów Getta) symbolize the awful tragedy of the Polish Jews. These inhabitants of Krakow were imprisoned in the Krakow Ghetto during WWII and the German occupation of Poland. Many lost their lives either on the streets of the ghetto or in concentration camps.

Figures on Father Bernatek Footbridge

If you walk along the Vistula River, be sure to go over to the Father Bernatek Pedestrian Bridge linking Kazimierz to Podgórze. The bridge was completed in 2010 in honor of a  Cracovian monk who founded the Bonifrater Hospital in Krakow. There you will find some amazing suspended figures by Polish Sculptor, Jerzy Kędziora. The Father Bernatek Footbridge (Kładka Ojca Bernatka) is also home to many lovers locks secured to the bridge, a popular trend in European cities.

The work is named Eros Bendato and is the creation of well-known Polish sculptor Igor Mitoraj (1944 – 2014). Variations of the sculpture are installed in Vancouver, London, Paris, Italy, and more. The symbolism of bandages represents “contemporary suffering,” especially of his own country, Poland. 

 

This imposing monument celebrates the epic 1410 Battle of Grunwald, when a joint army of Poles and Lithuanians defeated the Teutonic Knights. This statue is a copy from the mid-1970s, based on an original from 1910 that was destroyed by the Nazis during WWII.

It represents The Battle of Grunwald, fought between the joint armies of Poland and Lithuania against the Teutonic Knights on July 15, 1410, is considered to be one of the greatest battles ever to take place in medieval Europe. A defining moment in Polish history, the battle was immortalised in Kraków with the unveiling of this weighty monument in front of an estimated 160,000 people on the 500th anniversary of the event in 1910

Dżok The Dog Monument

Located in the park surrounding Wawel Castle, you will stumble upon many monuments but a favorite would be Dżok. The famous Polish sculptor Bronisław Chromy created the monument to commemorate the dog’s loyalty to his owner. 

Dżok watched his owner suffer a heart attack and the dog faithfully waited on the spot for a year where his master fell until he too died after being in an accident involving a train. We sure think the dog deserves the recognition, do you?

Judah Mural

There is an abundance of street art in Kazimierz and Pogorze, former Jewish ghettos. “Judah” was a mural painted by Pil Peled, an infamous Israeli street artist, in 2013 as part of the Jewish Culture Festival. The lion represents the strength of the Jewish community and the child shows vulnerability. I feel this creates a poignant reminder of the struggles of the Jewish community. 

> RELATED ARTICLE: EXPLORE KRAKOW | CATHEDRALS & WAWEL CASTLE

Art Market at Brama Floriańska

Take a wander along the historic city walls of St. Florian’s Gate to find a painting that catches your eye. These are the creations of amateur painters ready to purchase, they make a great souvenir of your trip to Krakow.

HOW TO PLAN THE BEST KRAKOW TRIP

Disclaimer: Our article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps us to keep bringing you awesome content, trips, and partnerships!

Vanessa Ball

Vanessa is a digital marketing geek with a big passion for adventures off-the-beaten-track. She is a trekker, content creator, photographer, and an all-round travel junkie. Join her in discovering our beautiful world across 7 continents.