Monument to John Paul II in Rybnik

The monument to John Paul II in Rybnik stands in the Śródmieście district, in John Paul II Square, in front of the main gate of the Basilica of St Anthony of Padua. It is a four-metre bronze sculpture.

History of the monument

The initiative was taken in 2001 by Rybnik local government activists, who set up an honorary committee. The monument was unveiled on 16 October 2005, on the 27th anniversary of Cardinal Karol Wojtyła's election as Pope. It is the work of the Silesian sculptor Zygmunt Brachmański.

A place for ceremonies

Flowers are laid in front of the monument during state and religious ceremonies, including the celebrations of the basilica's centenary in 2007 and National Independence Day.

Practical information

• The monument is in the centre of Rybnik, in front of the basilica.
• Close by is also the Rybnik Museum, about 500 metres further on.