A new monument commemorating King Przemysl II, one of the key figures in the history of Wielkopolska and medieval Poland, is being erected in Poznan’s Old Town. The structure will be located on Przemysl Hill, in the immediate vicinity of the Old Town Square.
The sculpture was designed by Stanisław Szwechowicz, and the project is based on a work that won second prize in the 2020 city competition. The visualisations were prepared by Jerzy and Bartosz Gurawski of the ARPA studio. The entire investment is being financed by a private funder, Jacek Wojciechowski. The ceremonial unveiling of the monument is planned for spring 2026.
Monument to King Przemysl II in Poznań
Construction began with an archaeological survey, which was carried out to secure an area of great historical significance. Work is currently underway to erect the plinth and rebuild the retaining wall. The project takes into account the preservation of the existing greenery, and a section of the structure on the side of the escarpment will be planted with creeping vegetation. All activities are taking place under the control of the Municipal Conservation Officer.
King Przemysł II – ruler from Greater Poland
Przemysł II was the last representative of the male line of the Piasts of Greater Poland. He ruled as Duke of Poznań, Greater Poland and Cracow, and was crowned King of Poland in 1295. His reign was short-lived, as only a year later he died as a result of a political conspiracy. Despite such a quick death, the monarch is considered one of the most important rulers in the history of Poznan and the region. It was in this city that his main residence was located, from where he led the efforts to rebuild the kingdom after the division into districts.
History of Przemysl Hill
Przemysl Hill is located within Poznan’s Old Town. It is an important place with a long and rich history. In the Middle Ages, a ducal castle stood here, built on the initiative of Przemysl II in the second half of the 13th century. The building was a symbol of princely, and later royal, power and one of the main defensive points of the city. The castle was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. The modern reconstruction, completed in 2013, now houses the Museum of Applied Arts, a branch of the National Museum in Poznań. The hill still remains one of the most important memorials in the capital of Wielkopolska. The monument to King Przemysl II on Przemysl Hill is intended to highlight the importance of the site for the history of the city and the region.
Source: Urban Greenery Management in Poznań
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