Monument to Martin Luther in Bielsko-Biała

The Martin Luther Monument stands on the square named after him in Bielsko-Biała, next to the Evangelical Church of the Saviour. It is the only monument to the reformer in Poland and a monument entered in the register.

How the monument came about

The idea of erecting a monument came from the owner of a textile factory in Aleksandrowice and was accepted by the Bielsko Evangelical parish. A committee was formed in 1897, and funds came from donations by parishioners and the sale of commemorative bricks. The design was chosen in a competition from among three: it was won by the Viennese sculptor Franz Vogl. The casting was made by the Vienna branch of the Krupp works of Berndorf, and the granite plinth by the Bielsko stonemason Theodor Gröger. The unveiling took place in September 1900.

The sculpture shows the reformer in full figure, in a gown, with his arms stretched forward holding a Bible. It is 2.5 metres tall and weighs 690 kilograms. The place in front of the church was chosen by Vogl himself, who also designed the surrounding greenery. Luther's face differs from his real appearance, because the sculptor wanted to show the idea of heroism of the spirit, not a portrait.

After the war

In 1945 most monuments to Luther in Poland were removed. The one in Bielsko was shot at by Soviet soldiers but survived, and that is why it is the only one today. The monument is regarded as a symbol of the town and of the Evangelicals of Cieszyn Silesia. In the area is the Władysław Reymont Museum of Literature.

Practical information

• Address: Plac Marcina Lutra, Bielsko-Biała
• The monument is in a public space, next to the Church of the Saviour