Discover the strangest monuments of Wroclaw: a route for lovers of unusual art

Discover the strangest monuments of Wroclaw: a route for lovers of unusual art

June 11, 2025

Wroclaw, known for its charming dwarves, hides many more artistic surprises. The city is a true open-air gallery, where unusual monuments and sculptures can be encountered at every turn. Our tour of Wroclaw's strangest monuments is for anyone who wants to discover the city from a completely different perspective. From surreal figures emerging from the sidewalk to touching tributes to animals, each stop on this route is an opportunity to reflect and marvel at the creativity of the creators. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the world of Wroclaw street art that will surprise, amuse and make both adults and children think. Let's discover together these unusual works that make Wroclaw one of the most fascinating cities in Poland in terms of public art.

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Trace the unusual bronze figures

Our adventure with Wroclaw's strangest monuments begins with one of the most distinctive works - the Monument to an Anonymous Passerby. It is located at the intersection of Pilsudski and Świdnicka streets, in the heart of the city. This unusual work, designed by Jerzy Kalina, consists of 14 bronze figures that seem to emerge from the sidewalk and disappear underground. The monument, unveiled in 2005, symbolizes the changes that took place in Poland after the imposition of martial law.

To reach this place, it is best to get off at the 'Świdnicka' stop (streetcar lines 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 23) or 'Arkady (Capitol)' (bus lines A, C, N). The monument is available for viewing around the clock, with no age restrictions or admission tickets. It's the perfect place for a family game of 'find and count' - children can try to find all the figures and ponder their meaning.

Continuing our route, we head towards Jatki Street, where another unusual monument awaits us - 'In Honor of Slaughtered Animals'. This unusual commemoration is located just a 10-minute walk from the Anonymous Passerby Monument. Walking down Oławska Street and then turning into Kotlarska Street, we will reach this unique installation.

The monument 'In Honor of Slaughtered Animals' is a group of sculptures depicting various farm animals: a goat, a pig, a rabbit, a duck and others. Each of the figures was designed by a different artist, which adds variety and character to the whole. This monument not only attracts attention with its unusual form, but also prompts reflection on the relationship between man and animals.

This place is especially attractive to children, who can see and touch the individual sculptures up close. It is worth noting the details of each animal and telling the youngest about the history of this place, which was once the center of meat trading in Wroclaw.

Both of these monuments are an excellent introduction to discovering the artistic side of Wroclaw. They are easily accessible, require no special preparation for visiting and can be viewed at any time of the year. However, remember to be respectful of the art and history they represent when taking photos and touching the sculptures.

Symbolic monuments to the history of Wroclaw

Continuing our tour of Wroclaw's remarkable monuments, we head toward the Old Town Promenade, where the moving Monument to the Victims of the Katyn Massacre is located. This place, about a 20-minute walk from Jatki Street, is an excellent opportunity to reflect on Poland's difficult history.

The Monument to the Victims of the Katyn Massacre, located on the Old Town Promenade, is a monumental work consisting of two main elements: The Angel of Death and the Pieta of Katyn. The figure of the Angel of Death with a sword towers over the figure of a woman holding a dead man in her arms with a distinctive gunshot wound in the back of his head. This poignant composition not only commemorates the victims of the Katyn massacre, but also prompts reflection on the cruelty of war.

To reach the monument, you can use public transportation - the nearest stop is 'Panorama Raclawicka' (streetcar lines 2, 4, 10). The monument is open to the public 24 hours a day, with no age restrictions. However, it is worth remembering that due to its serious subject matter, it may require proper preparation and explanation for younger children.

The next point on our tour is the Monument to the Unbroken Soldiers, located in the southern part of the city. This is a relatively new installation, unveiled in 2023, which stands out for its modern form and symbolism. To reach it, it is best to take streetcar line 2 or 9 to the 'Hallera' stop.

The Monument to the Unbroken Soldiers is an intriguing composition consisting of transparent panes, which display silhouettes of figures. Depending on the angle of view and the time of day, the monument changes its appearance, which adds to its mystery and depth. It's a place that is sure to pique the interest of adults and children alike, offering an interactive art experience.

Pay attention to the details of the monument and encourage children to discover how its appearance changes depending on where you look at it from. It's a great opportunity to talk about history and national memory in a way that's accessible to the little ones.

The last stop on this part of the tour is an unusual site - the former monument to SA militiamen, located in Szczytnicki Park. It is a remnant of the city's turbulent history, which today serves as a warning and a history lesson. The park is most easily reached by streetcar lines 1, 2, 4, 10 to the 'ZOO' stop.

Although the monument itself is no longer complete (only the pedestal remains), it is an interesting point to discuss the changes that have taken place in the city over the years. This site may be of particular interest to older children and teenagers interested in history.

All these monuments, although different in form and subject matter, have one thing in common - they are testimony to the rich and complicated history of Wroclaw. Discovering them is not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity for family conversations about memory, art and the city's identity.

Artistic surprises in urban space

To conclude our tour of Wrocław's strangest monuments, we suggest visiting two unique sites that are sure to be memorable for both adults and children. The first is the intriguing sculpture 'Powodzianka', located on the University Bridge.

Powodzianka' is an unusual installation that commemorates the dramatic events of the 1997 flood of the millennium. The sculpture depicts the figure of a woman standing on the bridge's railing, symbolizing the courage and determination of Wroclaw residents in the face of the element. To reach the site, it is best to take streetcar line 8, 9 or 17, getting off at the 'Grunwaldzki Bridge' stop.

This work of art is not only a historical monument, but also a fascinating art object. Its location on the bridge makes it possible to admire it from different perspectives - both from street level and from the perspective of the river. This is an excellent opportunity to tell children about the history of the city and the power of human solidarity in the face of hardship.

The last point on our tour is the Anonymous Passerby Monument 2, located on Świdnicka Street. This is a continuation of the concept familiar from the first monument we visited at the beginning of our tour. This installation consists of seven different statues placed on both sides of the street.

To get to this location, you can use the same means of transportation as for the first Anonymous Passerby Monument - it's best to get off at the 'Świdnicka' or 'Arkady (Capitol)' stop. The monument is available for viewing 24 hours a day and does not require any admission tickets.

This place is a kind of finale to our tour, closing with a buckle the theme of unusual characters emerging from the urban space. This is a great opportunity to compare the two monuments and encourage children to look for differences and similarities between them.

To sum up our tour of Wroclaw's strangest monuments, it is worth noting the variety of forms and themes presented by these unusual works of art. From historical commemorations to contemporary art installations, each of these objects tells a different story and prompts reflection.

While visiting, keep in mind a few practical tips:

  • Comfortable footwear is key, as the tour involves a lot of walking.
  • It's a good idea to bring a camera or smartphone to capture these remarkable works.
  • A mini-guide or field game can be arranged for children, making the tour more interactive.
  • Near most of the monuments there are cafes and restaurants where you can relax and eat.

Exploring the unusual monuments of Wroclaw is not only a lesson in history and art, but above all a fascinating adventure for the whole family. It is a way to get to know the city from a completely different perspective, which is sure to leave unforgettable impressions and memories.

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