Arka Bożek Monument in Racibórz

The Arka Bożek Monument has stood at the entrance to the park in Racibórz, on the Opawska Street side, since 2013. It is a bronze sculpture commemorating a Polish diaspora activist and politician of the first years after the Second World War.

Who is commemorated

Arka Bożek (1899-1954) was a farmer, head of the Markowice commune in 1927-1933, an activist of the Polish minority, a journalist and a member of the National Council in exile in London. After the war he became deputy voivode of Silesia.

The monument

The sculpture is by Augustyn Dyrda and was unveiled on 9 May 1980. The casting was made by the Gliwice Technical Equipment Works. Bożek's figure has outstretched arms, in the gesture of a man ready to help others. The plinth bears his name and the motto: “Our strength is in ourselves.”

In 2013 the monument was moved and placed at the entrance to the Roth Town Park. The original site was criticised, and some people saw the monument as better placed at the edge of the park.

Practical information

• Location: Racibórz, the park entrance from Opawska Street.
• The monument stands in a public space, near Racibórz Castle.