Monument to Mieszko I in Cieszyn

The Monument to Mieszko I in Cieszyn commemorates the founder of the Cieszyn line of the Piasts, Duke Mieszko I (died 1314 or 1315). The bronze statue was unveiled on 21 June 1931, and its author is Jan Raszka.

Why the monument stands here

A monument to Emperor Franz Joseph I had previously stood on the same spot. It was damaged in 1918 and demolished two years later on the orders of the Allies. In 1928, on the initiative of the mayor, Father Józef Londzin, it was decided to commemorate the first Cieszyn Piast. The unveiling ceremony was broadcast by Polish Radio.

The statue during the war

During the Second World War the statue of Mieszko was removed from its plinth. It was kept in the courtyard of the Cieszyn museum. It returned to its place above the Olza in 1957.

Nearby

The monument is in the town centre, not far from the town hall in Cieszyn. A few hundred metres further on stands the Jesus Church, and a little further the Rotunda of St Nicholas.

Practical information

• Location: Cieszyn, above the Olza, in the town centre.
• The monument stands in a public space and is accessible at all times.