The Monument to Revolutionary Struggles in Rzeszów has been officially entered in the register of monuments of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. This decision was upheld by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage, which determines that the landmark in the city centre will not be demolished. Despite the entry, the question of its technical condition and further fate still remains open.
The building was placed on the register under number A-1827 by a decision of 8 August 2024. The entry did not include the inscription plaques at the base or the plaques with the city’s coat of arms added in the 1990s. The decision was appealed by the Association of Families of Non-Militant Soldiers from Podkarpacie, the owner of the plot of land and the monument. Following proceedings, the Minister of Culture upheld the earlier decision on 24 September 2025.
Monument to Revolutionary Struggle in Rzeszów – history
The monument is located in the very centre of Rzeszów, at the intersection of Łukasz Ciepliński Avenue and Józef Piłsudski Avenue, in the vicinity of the Podkarpackie Voivodship Office and the monastery complex with the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was designed by Professor Marian Konieczny, and its construction lasted from 1967 to 1974. The building was created on the initiative of the PZPR authorities, who intended to commemorate the revolutionary deeds of workers, peasants and soldiers and to give the city a new, representative symbol. Initially, it was assumed that the investment would be financed by social contributions, but eventually the state was the main source of funds. After 2006, the plot of land including the monument reverted to the nearby Bernardine Order.
Architecture and significance of the monument
The structure measures about 38 metres and consists of two reinforced concrete blocks in the shape of stylised laurel leaves or wings, with metal sculptures between them. One depicts the goddess Nike, symbol of victory, the other a group of figures: a peasant, a worker and a soldier. The whole is crowned with Rzeszów’s coat of arms in the form of a bachelor’s cross. According to Adam Sapeta, Podkarpackie Voivodeship Conservator of Monuments, the value of the monument stems from its architectural form and the role it plays in the urban layout of the city. It is a distinctive spatial dominant and an important landmark in the panorama of Rzeszów.
The Monument to the Revolutionary Struggles in Rzeszów has become a monument of
Since its inception, the monument has aroused divided opinions. Some see it as a relic of communist propaganda and demand its demolition or relocation, while others treat it as a distinctive landmark of the city with a shape that evokes ambiguous associations. An additional problem remains the technical condition of the building. Cracks and cavities have appeared on the surface of the reinforced concrete elements, and the metal sculptures are heavily corroded. Experts indicate that the whole thing requires costly renovation. Discussions are underway around how to secure and sources of funding for the necessary work.
Source: wiadomosci.wp.pl, gospodarkapodkarpacka.pl
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