Statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Suwałki

The Statue of the Blessing Mother of God in Suwałki, created by sculptor Feliks Krasuski, is located on the northern outskirts of the Constitution of May 3rd Park. Its history dates back to 1861, when the residents of Suwałki initiated the idea of erecting a monument as an expression of patriotism. Due to the imposition of martial law, the work was delayed, and the statue was completed and consecrated on December 8, 1862. During World War II, the monument was destroyed but was quickly repaired, and in 1995 it underwent a comprehensive renovation. The sculpture is made of two types of stone—limestone and sandstone—and depicts the Blessing Mother of God in a contrapposto pose, with one leg raised, standing on a square base inscribed with the words "Mother, bless us." Some sources suggest that the figure might have represented St. Hedwig, though this contradicts official records from the era. Interestingly, Feliks Krasuski was also a participant in a failed assassination attempt on the Tsar's governor in 1863, after which he managed to escape abroad. The statue not only holds artistic value but also serves as an important historical and cultural landmark of Suwałki, symbolizing the region's patriotic sentiments in the 19th century.