Monument to the Polish Mother in Racibórz

The Monument to the Polish Mother stands on Mostowy Square in Racibórz, near the Oder. It is a bronze sculpture of a woman with a child in her arms, unveiled on 14 July 1973. The author is the artist Jan Borowczak.

The sculpture and its history

The figure shows an upright woman who looks boldly ahead and strides forward, holding a child. It is 6.7 m tall, weighs 3 tonnes and was assembled from 30 elements cast at the Gliwice Technical Equipment Works. In common parlance it is sometimes called the Silesian Nike. The idea was born at a meeting of Racibórz women, and the foundation act was read out in 1971 during the Insurgents’ Rally on Góra Świętej Anny. The original design, with three children and regional dress, was rejected by the Ministry of Culture. The construction was financed by state grants, the fund of the Council for the Protection of Monuments and voluntary community work.

Practical information

• Place: Mostowy Square, Racibórz, close to the bed of the Oder.
• The monument stands in the open and can be viewed at any time. Among Racibórz residents there is an established tradition of newlyweds laying flowers beneath the sculpture.
• A few hundred metres away you will find Racibórz Castle and the Racibórz Museum.