Monument to St Hedwig of Silesia in Katowice

The Monument to St Hedwig of Silesia stands on Plac Klasztorny in Ligota-Panewniki, by the Franciscan basilica. It was unveiled on 21 July 1912. The sculpture is by Bruno Tschötschel, and the design of the plinth was prepared by the Franciscan Meinard Wieczorek.

What it shows

The sandstone figure shows the saint with a model of the basilica in Panewniki in her right hand and a figurine of the Madonna and Child in her left. The plinth is decorated with an arcade frieze, and Silesian eagles are embossed on the saint's cloak and on her cord.

History

The monument was funded, as the source states, by “Silesians of both nationalities”. The unveiling ceremony included sermons in Polish and German and cannon salvos, and the blessing was performed by Fr Wilhelm Rogosz. In 1945 soldiers of the Red Army destroyed three plaques with inscriptions: German, Polish and Latin. Only the Polish one was recreated, with the text: “St Hedwig, Patron of Silesia and of the Franciscan Province in Silesia, pray for us”.

Practical information

• Place: Plac Klasztorny, Ligota-Panewniki, Katowice.
• The monument stands outdoors and is open to all.