Monument to the Executed Hostages from Nowy Sącz

The Monument to the Executed Hostages from Nowy Sącz is a reinforced-concrete open-air sculpture on Juliusza Słowackiego Avenue in Wrocław. Its author is Władysław Hasior, and the work was created in 1966-1968, although it was officially unveiled in 1971. The sculpture was purchased and placed in its current location by the Museum of Architecture in Wrocław.

What it commemorates

The monument is dedicated to the memory of hostages executed by the Germans during the occupation in Nowy Sącz during the Second World War.

Four figures in reinforced concrete

The composition consists of four human figures symbolising the martyrdom of the murdered hostages. Each of the four sculptures has a special trough in which fuel was placed. On All Saints' Day, museum staff would light a fire in these troughs, for the last time in 2003.

A monument at 1:2 scale

The current sculpture is in fact a 1:2 scale model of a monument planned at full size. The full-size version was never realised due to opposition from local authorities, who read the work's meaning first as a reference to the crucifixion of Christ, and later as a possible symbol of resistance against communist rule.

Nearby

The monument stands close to the centre, near the Panorama of the Battle of Racławice.

A few steps further stands the National Museum in Wrocław.

From here it is not far to the Market Square with the Town Hall.

Practical information

• Address: Juliusza Słowackiego Avenue, Wrocław, Old Town.
• Getting there: the monument stands in an open space by the avenue, close to the centre and the main museums.
• What to expect: a reinforced-concrete composition of four figures with troughs from the former fire, with no plaque giving the full history on site, so it's worth reading up beforehand.