Unveiling of the Monument to King Przemysł II in Poznań

On 20 May 2026, a monument to King Przemysł II was unveiled in Poznań. Przemysł II was a ruler of particular importance to the history of the city, the Wielkopolska region, and Polish statehood. The monument was erected at the junction of Franciszkańska Street and Góra Przemysła Street, in the vicinity of the Royal Castle and Przemysł Hill. This location is far from accidental, as it is strongly connected with the history of Poznań and the memory of the period in which the idea of a united Kingdom of Poland was born.

The ceremony brought together representatives of the city authorities, leaders of nearby municipalities, members of the academic community, cultural institutions, social organizations, uniformed services, and residents of Poznań. Among those attending were Jędrzej Solarski, Deputy Mayor of Poznań, Grzegorz Ganowicz, Chair of the Poznań City Council, Tomasz Łęcki, Director of the National Museum, and Professor Tomasz Jasiński, a distinguished expert on the period. The monument was blessed by Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki. Representatives of King Przemysł II Secondary School No. 10 in Poznań also took part in the event. The solemn character of the ceremony was emphasized by the Dysonans Chamber Choir, conducted by Professor Magdalena Wdowicka-Mackiewicz.

The creation of the monument was made possible thanks to Mr Jacek Wojciechowski, President of the Management Board of Utal, who funded it entirely from his own resources. For the founder, this was a deeply personal initiative, stemming from his attachment to Poznań, his family traditions, and his belief that the memory of the most important figures associated with the city should be present in public space.
“Today marks the culmination of thirteen years of efforts and work. It is also a personal confirmation that the decision I made more than a decade ago was the right one. I am a Poznań native through and through. Following in the footsteps of my ancestors, who did good things for this city, I too resolved to do something good.” said Mr Jacek Wojciechowski during the ceremony.

Przemysł II was Duke of Poznań, Wielkopolska and Kraków, and King of Poland from 1295 to 1296. He was born in Poznań and went down in history as a ruler who played an important role in the restoration of the Kingdom of Poland after the period of regional fragmentation. His coronation was a symbolic moment marking the return to the idea of a single, united state.

The sculpture was created by Stanisław Szwechowicz, an award-winning artist and sculptor from Gdańsk. His design received second prize in the competition for the monument to King Przemysł II, which was decided in June 2021. The monument was designed to harmonize with the historic character of the site. In addition to the construction of the pedestal on which the figure of the ruler stands, the project also included work on the retaining wall and the preservation of the greenery on the slope. Part of the pedestal facing the slope was planted with creeping greenery, allowing the monument to blend gently into its surroundings.

The realization of the monument was a complex, multi-year process requiring the cooperation of an entire project team and specialists representing various fields. Those involved included dr hab. Marcin Komosa, an expert in horse anatomy; specialists in medieval weaponry; architects; designers; structural engineers; archaeologists; heritage conservators; and people responsible for ensuring the monument was properly integrated into the historic space of Przemysł Hill.
Specialists from the artistic foundry Garstka Studio in Szymanowo and the stonemasonry company Granit-Mar from Kościan were also involved in the actual execution of the monument. Their knowledge, experience and craftsmanship helped give the project its final form and led to the creation of a monument that respectfully reflects the historic character of the site while becoming a new and lasting element of Poznań’s landscape.

As Jacek Wojciechowski emphasizes, special recognition is due to Mr Jacek Wydmuch, Director of Technology and Development at Utal, who represented the founder in the day-to-day work on the project. His personal commitment, sense of responsibility and attention to every detail were of great importance in ensuring the smooth implementation of the project and bringing it to a successful conclusion. Throughout the entire process, he coordinated the work, oversaw the successive stages of the investment and supported the founder in supervising the project. He did so on his own initiative, devoting his private time and acting with full conviction as to the value of this undertaking for Poznań and its residents.

“I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved in the realization of the monument: the artists, designers, experts, contractors, consultants and representatives of the institutions that supported this process. It is thanks to their work, knowledge and determination that the monument to King Przemysł II could be erected in the city space in such a refined and dignified form, in line with my vision for this undertaking,” emphasized Jacek Wojciechowski, founder of the monument.
The implementation of the project required particular care due to the historic character of the location. The works were preceded by archaeological research, and the entire process was carried out under the supervision of the Municipal Heritage Conservator.

For Utal, the unveiling of the monument to King Przemysł II is of special significance. Although the undertaking was a private initiative of Jacek Wojciechowski, President of the company’s Management Board, and was financed entirely from his own resources, as a community we receive it with pride and appreciation. It is a gesture deeply rooted in values that are also close to our company: attachment to Wielkopolska, respect for history, and responsibility for the place where we live and work. The monument, which now stands in the heart of Poznań, will remain a lasting sign of remembrance of the city’s royal heritage and a testament to our President’s personal commitment to matters important to the local community.

The photographs featured in the article come from materials provided by the Office of the Mayor of the City of Poznań and have been used courtesy of the Office.