Constitution of May 3 Park in Białystok

Constitution of May 3rd Park, formerly known as Zwierzyniec Park, is a modernist facility in Białystok, built in the late 1920s and early 1930s according to the design of J.B. Rybołowicz. After World War II, the park was known as "Zwierzyniec Park," and in 2009, it regained its current name. Its area is 16.2 hectares. In historical terms, it should be emphasized that this area was once part of the Zwierzyniec Forest – a hunting ground for the Branicki family. After 1920, the area was named May 3rd Municipal Park. The park features a broad promenade, which serves as the main visual axis, and at one of the roundabouts stands a monument to the soldiers of the 42nd Infantry Regiment, unveiled in 1930. The park also includes the Monument to the Constitution of May 3rd, commemorating the 130th anniversary of the constitution's proclamation, and a zoo with a variety of animals, making it an attractive destination for families. In the architectural sphere, notable features include the Philharmonic building and the monument to the 42nd Infantry Regiment, which was destroyed during World War II and later reconstructed and unveiled again in 1997. The military cemetery located in the park is a memorial site for soldiers who died in both world wars, as well as members of the local resistance movement. The park boasts rich flora, with dominant tree species such as hornbeam, pedunculate oak, Scots pine, and silver birch. The diversity of the park's habitats, including fresh, mixed, and moist forests, promotes natural forest regeneration. In 1996, the Las Zwierzyniecki Nature Reserve was established to protect the unique flora of the region. As a place for recreation and nature conservation, the park is also an important part of Białystok's cultural life, promoting artistic events at the Open Philharmonic and highlighting the historical significance of the site. Thanks to its connection to downtown Białystok, visitors can fully enjoy the green surroundings, making the park one of the few places where one can travel through the city amidst nature. Thus, Constitution of May 3rd Park is not only a space for relaxation but also an important point on the city's historical and cultural map.