Adam Mickiewicz Monument

Designed by Teodor Rygier, Adam Mickiewicz Monument, commonly known as "Adaś", was unveiled one hundred years from Mickiewicz's birth - on 26th June 1898 in the company of the poet's son and daughter. The monument depicts the poet standing on a tall pedestal which is surrounded by four allegorical characters representing Homeland, Science, Bravery, and Poetry. The pedestal also consists of the dedication: "To Adam Mickiewicz, the Nation".

The monument was destroyed by the Nazis occupying the city on 17th August 1940. It was reconstructed after the war with a use of parts which were found in a junkyard in Hamburg in 1946. The next unveiling ceremony took place in the 100th anniversary of the poet's death - on 26th November 1955.

Every year on the day of poet's birth - 24th December - Cracow's florists put flowers at the foot of the monument. Cracow Nativity Scene also takes place here annually. There is a superstition among high school graduates that the number of laps on one leg around the monument will be equal to the grade of Matura.