Attraction in Katowice

Silesian Insurgents' Monument

Three great steel wings honouring the Silesian Uprisings, frequently described as the largest and heaviest monument in Poland.

Reviewed and updated July 2026

What the Silesian Insurgents' Monument represents

The monument honours those who fought in the three Silesian Uprisings of 1919, 1920 and 1921, armed risings that aimed to bring Upper Silesia into the newly re-formed Polish state. Its three wings stand for the three uprisings, with the names of battle sites cut into the sloping faces.

Scale and design of the monument

Unveiled on 1 September 1967, it was designed by sculptor Gustaw Zemla and architect Wojciech Zablocki. It is often called the largest and heaviest monument in Poland: assembled from 350 parts, weighing around 61 tonnes, with its tallest wing reaching about 14 metres.

Seeing the monument in Katowice

The monument stands on open ground near aleja Korfantego, a short walk from Spodek and the Culture Zone, so it fits easily into a walk around the northern edge of the centre. It is outdoors and free to view at any time; there are no fixed opening hours.

Frequently asked questions

Each wing represents one of the three Silesian Uprisings of 1919, 1920 and 1921.

It is widely cited as the largest and heaviest monument in Poland, weighing around 61 tonnes and assembled from 350 parts.

On open ground near aleja Korfantego, close to Spodek and the Culture Zone, and free to view at any time.

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