Lithuanian Square

Lithuanian Square is the central place of Lublin, where important state celebrations take place. In the center of the square there is the Monument of the Union of Lublin and the memorial plague of the Unknown Soldier. There is also a famous black poplar growing here, that has almost 600 years.

The Lithuanian Square was built in the 1820s, and the purpose of its construction was to organize military parades. Earlier, there was a straw storage in this place, and before it a hospital and a church of the Brothers of St. John of God. In the center of the square there was also a fountain, which in 1873-1876 was replaced by the Orthodox church dedicated to the Elevation of the Holy Cross. It was demolished in 1925 to organize on the square a plaza with the Monument of the Union of Lublin. The memorial commemorating this important event has the form of a 13-meter cast-iron spire set on a cement pedestal. The initiator of its construction was Stanisław Staszic, and the project was made by Feliks Bentkowski and Paweł Maliński. On the obelisk there is a bas-relief depicting the personifications of Poland and Lithuania.

Interesting is also the history of the poplar, which was reportedly planted in the square in 1569 to commemorate the adoption of the Union of Lublin. The tree is traditionally called baobab tree and its future is in doubt due to serious damage caused by fungal infection.