The Cross on Giewont

The Cross on Giewont is a metal structure rising atop the summit of Wielki Giewont, standing 17.5 meters tall, with 2.5 meters of it embedded into the rock. It was erected in 1901 on the initiative of preacher Kazimierz Kaszelewski as a symbol of the 1900th anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ. The construction process was monumental—it was built with the participation of around 500 people who transported 400 iron elements and additional construction materials, including cement and water, to the mountain peak. The cross is one of the most recognizable symbols of the Tatra Mountains and has become a destination for religious pilgrimages, particularly on August 19 and September 14. Its architectural form is based on a simple yet striking design, and at the intersection of the arms, there is a Latin inscription dedicated to Jesus Christ. Over the years, the cross has undergone several renovations, including in 1975 and 1994, when steel anchors were added for better stability. In 2000, a stained-glass window depicting the Merciful Christ was installed but was later removed due to concerns about the structural integrity of the cross. The cross has also been a site of tragedy; there have been multiple fatal incidents involving lightning strikes, making it both a religious symbol and a place of caution. In 2007, the Cross on Giewont was added to the register of historical monuments, and replicas exist in Poland, including the Baltic Cross of Hope in Pustków and the Millennium Cross in Wojcieszów, highlighting its significance not only locally but also nationally. Giewont remains a popular tourist destination, and the cross is not only an architectural element but also a spiritual symbol for many people.