Monuments, Warsaw

4 more images

As I was walking down Nowy Swiat with my map in hand, I knew that there was a statue to Nicolaus Copernicus somewhere nearby. I had figured that I would take a look, snap a photo, and head on my way. I was not prepared for how much I would enjoy not only the statue but the entire effect that the base and ground around the statue would have.

If you remember your science history, you will remember that Copernicus was the first person to come up with the heliocentric theory that the Earth is not the center of the universe and that the Earth actually revolves around the Sun. This was quite controversial in his time, so much in fact that he dared not publish his theory until he was near death. No one is quite sure why he waited; some think because he knew the ridicule he would receive about it.

As I approached the monument, my eyes instantly looked up at the statue of Copernicus with a device in his hand that demonstrates his theory. I took some photos and as I turned around, something on the ground caught my eye – a bronze circle of some kind. Closer look revealed that it was the Sun in a relief format (three dimensional but not a ball – it was more of a small dome shaped circle in the pavement). It was labeled “the Sun” so I knew what it was. As I looked around me, I realized that the whole pavement surrounding the statue was Copernicus’ theory – the planets were all revolving around the Sun, detailed enough that there was even the Moon revolving around the Earth.

It was difficult to capture on film, but I was impressed by the thought that went into this statue, which was commissioned by Stanislow Staszic and erected in 1830. The statue was supposed to be destroyed in 1944 but was repaired and placed back in its spot on Nowy Swiat.

2 more images

King Sigismund III of the Vasa Swedish dynasty , is who moved the capital of Poland from Krakow to Warsaw
The column was placed in a site that could be seen by all who entered the city, being in the Krakow Gate before they made the Plaza
The column made of marble is 22 m and at the top is a statue of the King of 2.7 m in which he is represented as a defender of the faith with a cross and a sword in the hands
According to legends the day the king's sword go down to the base , the world will end. Fortunately it seems that currently there is no danger
This is a good place to start the tour in Warsaw


El rey Segismundo III de la dinastía Sueca de los Vasa es el que trasladó la capital de Polonia de Cracovia a Varsovia
La columna se situó en un sitio que la pudieran ver todos los que entraran a la ciudad , pues estaba en la Puerta de Cracovia antes de que se pudiera hacer la Plaza
La columna es de marmol tiene 22 m y en la parte superior está una estatua del rey de 2,7 m en la que se le representa como defensor de la fe con una cruz y una espada en las manos
Según una leyenda el día que el rey baje la espada hasta la base que le sustenta se acabará el mundo . Afortunadamente parece que de momento no hay peligro
Este es un buen sitio para iniciar la visita de Varsovia

1 more image

Although some Germans may think otherwise, Nicolaus Copernicus is regarded as one of the most famous Poles of all times. Like Galileo, he challenged the world of the Catholic church in the Renaissance proving that the Earth orbits the Sun.
The monument was designed by the Danish artist Bertel Throvaldsen and cast in Warsaw in 1823. Like many other bronze monuments - for example, Hanover's Martin Luther- it was removed for metal melting. Warsaw's Copernicus monument was removed right after the Warsaw Uprising in which it was badly damaged. Unlike Luther, the original monument was never found. However, the original casting mould was found in Denmark, so that right after WWII a new Copernicus monument was placed on the old spot. Today, there are copies of this monument in other cities of the world, including Chicago.

Jozef Pilsudski is regarded as one of the most important heroes in Polish history. This was not always the case as he was portrayed by the communists as an ultra-conservative military, even a fascist. That propaganda didn't affect Pilsudski's popularity that much, portraits of him were often found in Polish homes, even during the communist era. Pilsudski was the head behind the movements leading to the independence of the new Polish Republic after WWI. He was not only the first head of Government of the Polish Republic, but also lead Poland to a victory after a Soviet invasion attempt in 1920, known as the “Battle of Warsaw”. Pilsudski's monument was unveiled after the fall of communism in 1995.

1 more image

With all the crimes Nazi Germans have committed on Jewish and non-Jewish Poles, it is often forgotten that the Red Army was involved in crimes against humanity as well. Probably the best known case is the massacre at Katyn which took place in 1943 when over 4 000 Polish officers were executed. Thousands of Poles, mostly intellectuals or military members lost their lifes in such deportation and execution actions. The Soviet Union was reluctant to admit the crimes and even blamed the Nazis. It took several decades until the Soviet Union and later Russia fully admitted the crimes, although there are still many open questions. The Katyn Massacre is still a burden for the Polish-Russian relationship.
The monument consists of a wagon such as those used for deportation and a part of rail from that line.

4 more images

As we ascended the path toward the top of the mound, we discovered that the local snail population had "invaded" the entire park. Almost each and every cross along the 120 meter high path to the top, almost every tree and bush had been covered with snails. This was an amazing sight. Apparently the climate and conditions were ideal to support such a large and concentrated population.

4 more images

Daria took us to a "hill" in central Warsaw and as we were climbing the main access path she explained that when Warsaw began the razing of what was left of the Warsaw after WW2, they decided to place it all in one place and create a mound. This mound today rises above city level and gives you a lookout over the city. The path is lined with crosses commemorating those who lost their lives there. At the top is a statue/symbol of the uprising.

4 more images

This monument in Warsaw, Poland does little to bring to life the tragic story of these few Jewish heros who made an attempt to stand against the Nazi slaughter when the world was settling back to watch. It is such a sad display of world apathy that 6 million could be led like cattle to be brutally murdered while nothing was done.
Here are a few web sites if you are interested in learning more.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/holocaust/peopleevents/pandeAMEX103.html
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Holocaust/uprising1.html
We can only hope that our people on this planet will learn that we ARE all, and long for, the same, even if we have different beliefs, colors or places of birth.