Location in relation to the surroundings

The monument stands on the square in the immediate vicinity of the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Gniezno.

Text of the inscription

Bolesław the Brave 1025-1925.

General description

The figure of the king, 4.75 m high. was cast in bronze, placed on a 4 m high sandstone plinth. The king stands supported by a sword held in his right hand, presented in armour and with a crown on his head. Three bas-reliefs are placed on the pedestal: The king is supported by a sword held in his right hand, presented in armour and with a crown on his head.

Condition

Reconstruction

The circumstances of unveiling

The idea of erecting a monument appeared immediately after Poland regained independence in 1918. It was supposed to commemorate the 900th anniversary of the creation of the monarchy in Poland (Bolesław was the first king of Poland), which was an important element of the state's process of creation. The author of the project was a Poznań sculptor Marcin Rożek. Initially, the artist prepared a plaster cast, which was unveiled in 1925 by President Stanisław Wojciechowski in connection with the 900th anniversary of the coronation of Bolesław the Brave. The actual bronze monument was erected in 1929. It was ceremonially unveiled by President Ignacy Mościcki.

Later history

The monument emphasized the existence of the Polish statehood as early as in the 11th century, which was particularly important a few years after regaining independence and the rebirth of the Polish state after 123 years of partition. The German occupation authorities tried to destroy the monument in the autumn of 1939, but they only managed to do partial destruction, only in the spring of 1940 was the monument completely destroyed. The idea of rebuilding the monument appeared as early as 1946, but it was not until 1985 that it was finally realized.

Contemporary importance

The monument plays an important role as a venue for the main patriotic celebrations held in the city, including public holidays. It is also important for Gniezno itself and its inhabitants, as it emphasises the important role of the city in the beginnings of the Polish state. It was its capital and the seat of the monarch.

Publications, sources, links

http://ciekawegniezno.blogspot.com/

http://www.polskaniezwykla.pl/web/place/16702,gniezno-pomnik-boleslawa-chrobrego.html

http://gniezno.naszemiasto.pl/artykul/obchody-3-majowe-w-gnieznie-uroczystosc-patriotyczna-przy,4104614,artgal,t,id,tm.html

http://gniezno.naszemiasto.pl/artykul/gniezno-100-lecie-odzyskania-niepodleglosci-zlozenie,4877470,artgal,t,id,tm.html

https://jbc.bj.uj.edu.pl/dlibra/publication/45221/edition/39662/content?ref=desc

https://www.gniezno.eu/atrakcje/atrakcja/882/pomnik_boleslawa_chrobrego_