On October 6, 1978, the Monument of the Polish Soldier was unveiled in Katowice, standing proudly in Plac Żołnierza Polskiego (Soldier’s Square) in the Ignacy Paderewski district. This towering structure, made from patinated bronze and weighing an impressive 80 tons, is one of the largest monuments in Upper Silesia and a significant symbol of Poland’s wartime history.
The monument was the collaborative work of sculptor Bronisław Chromy and architect Jerzy Pilitowski. It honours the soldiers who fought during World War II, with the names of several key battlefields engraved on its surface, serving as a reminder of their bravery and sacrifice.
Positioned atop an artificially constructed hill, the monument dominates its surroundings. During Poland’s communist era, the square in front of the monument hosted military parades and other ceremonial events, cementing its role as a central site for public remembrance and military pride.
Today, the Monument of the Polish Soldier remains a key historical and cultural landmark in Katowice, reminding future generations of the sacrifices made by Polish soldiers during one of the most turbulent times in the nation’s history.