Monument to Angelus Silesius in Wrocław

The Angelus, also known as the Monument to the Silesian Angel, is a monument in the courtyard of the Ossoliński National Institute in Wrocław, dedicated to the mystic and poet Angelus Silesius.

History and location

The monument, by Ewa Rossano, was unveiled in October 2007 in the courtyard of the Ossoliński National Institute. The choice of location was not accidental: the poet was a friar in the monastery that once occupied the building now used by the Institute, and he was buried in the crypt of the nearby Church of St Matthias.

Appearance

The sculpture shows a stylised bronze figure of the poet, with two wings, one of which grows out of the figure's heart, symbolising his inspirations. The sandstone pedestal bears the inscription ANGELUS and a quotation from Silesius, in Adam Mickiewicz's translation: "You look up to heaven, but do not look into yourself. He who seeks God only in heaven will not find him."

Practical information

• Address: courtyard of the Ossoliński National Institute, Old Town, Wrocław
• Access: walking distance from the Market Square and the Tumski Bridge, not far from the Archcathedral of St John the Baptist
• What to expect: a monument publicly accessible in the courtyard, free admission