Monument to the Revolutionary Deed in Rzeszów

The Monument to the Revolutionary Deed in Rzeszów, unveiled in 1974, is a significant element of the city's architecture and symbolizes historical events related to the struggle for the People's Republic of Poland. Located at a central transportation hub, near Dmowski Roundabout, the monument was designed by sculptor Marian Konieczny. Its avant-garde, two-facade form resembles stylized laurel leaves and features sculptures of a worker, a peasant, and a soldier, reflecting the ideology of the Polish People's Republic. The structure, composed of 37 reinforced concrete segments, weighs 466 tons, and its pedestal bears plaques with inscriptions paying tribute to the heroes of revolutionary struggles. The monument served as a venue for state ceremonies and a strategic point in Rzeszów's urban space, but after 1989, its significance changed, becoming a subject of ideological disputes. Its interpretation, tied to the PRL past, sparked controversies, leading to attempts to remove it under the decommunization law. An interesting fact is the popular local nickname for the monument, "Wielka Cipa" ("Great Pussy"), referencing its avant-garde shape and humorous connotations in the public perception. The monument also stands as a witness to struggles over historical truth and complex social relations in Rzeszów, attracting the attention of residents and activists, and becoming a subject of academic research and debates. In 2023, plans emerged for its renovation, with the majority of residents advocating for its preservation, viewing it as an important element of local identity.