Coastal Defenders Memorial

The Coast Defenders Monument, located in Gdańsk on the Westerplatte peninsula, is a monumental structure standing 25 meters tall, commemorating the Polish defenders of the Coast in September 1939. The urban design was developed by Adam Haupt, while the monument itself was designed by Franciszek Duszeńko and Henryk Kitowski, who won the competition for its execution. The monument consists of 236 granite blocks with a total weight of 1,150 tons, brought from quarries in Strzegom and Borów. Its shape resembles a notched bayonet thrust into the ground, symbolizing the courage and determination of the defenders. At the top of the monument, there are figures of a sailor and a soldier with Russian weaponry, serving as a reminder of the international context of the battles. The monument is richly decorated with bas-reliefs and engraved inscriptions commemorating both the defense of Poland in 1939 and other key events of World War II, including the battles of Lenino, Studzianki, and Kołobrzeg. Interestingly, among the places commemorated from 1939 is the Gdańsk Post Office, which is a mistake, as it refers to a site unrelated to the Polish battles. The mound, with a diameter of 20 meters and a height of 22 meters, was built from earth obtained during the widening of the Port Channel, and its construction took two years, initiated by the Council for the Protection of Struggle and Martyrdom Sites. The unveiling ceremony of the monument took place on October 9, 1966, on the anniversary of the Battle of Lenino, highlighting its cultural and historical significance as a place for reflection on the heroism of Polish soldiers and sailors. Seven torchères at the base of the monument symbolize the seven days of the defense of Westerplatte, serving as an important element commemorating not only the tragedy but also the courage of the defenders.