Marshal Józef Piłsudski Square in Warsaw

Marshal Józef Piłsudski Square, located in the city center of Warsaw, has a rich history dating back to the 17th century, when the manor of Tobiasz Morsztyn was built on the site of the present square. In the 18th century, as a result of the reconstruction of the Saxon Palace by Augustus II the Strong, the square became its courtyard, and in the following years it gained monumental architecture, including a classicist colonnade. From time to time, the name of the square changed, from Saxon Square to Marshal Józef Piłsudski Square, and even to German names during World War II, reflecting various stages of occupation and urban transformations. The square played a significant role in Polish history, being the site of important events such as Napoleon's military review, as well as battles and demonstrations during the Warsaw Uprising and World War II. After the war, the square became a center for state ceremonies and a place commemorating various events, such as John Paul II's mass in 1979, which gathered half a million people, or the funeral of Primate Wyszyński. In recent years, the square has become the site of several monuments, including the monument to Józef Piłsudski and the Victims of the Smolensk Tragedy. It is worth adding that the square has undergone numerous archaeological studies, which uncovered fragments of settlements from various centuries and the remains of palaces. Architecturally, the square is evolving, adapting to the needs of ceremonies and events, and its status as a closed area has sparked controversy and discussions about the future of public space in Warsaw. The modern square, a place of deep cultural traditions, continues to serve a central role in the life of the capital, connecting the past with the present.