Attraction in Lublin
Union of Lublin Monument
A cast-iron obelisk on Litewski Square marking the 1569 Union of Lublin, the treaty that joined Poland and Lithuania into a single commonwealth.
Reviewed and updated July 2026
The Union of Lublin Monument is a cast-iron obelisk on Litewski Square that commemorates the 1569 Union of Lublin, the treaty signed in the city that merged the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. People stop here because Lublin is where that union was actually agreed, and the monument is one of the square's central patriotic landmarks, a short pause on any walk through the city centre.
What you see on the square
The monument takes the form of an obelisk cast in iron, standing on Litewski Square among the open lawns and paths that run through Lublin's civic centre. Its most notable feature is a relief showing two female figures, which symbolise the two nations brought together by the treaty, Poland and Lithuania. The dark metal reads plainly against the greenery, and because it sits in the open you can walk right up to it and view the relief from close range.
The treaty behind the monument
In 1569 the Union of Lublin was signed in the city, formally binding the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania into a single state, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The present obelisk replaced an earlier marker, traditionally traced back to King Sigismund II Augustus, that was destroyed during the period of tsarist rule over the Polish lands. Seen in that light, the monument records both the founding act it celebrates and the later loss and restoration of that memory.
Who it suits and how long to allow
This is a quick, free stop rather than a ticketed attraction, which makes it a good fit for anyone interested in Polish and Lithuanian history, or simply passing through on foot. Litewski Square is a pedestrian-friendly public space, so it works for families, casual walkers and history-minded travellers alike. Most visitors spend only a few minutes at the obelisk itself before moving on to the rest of the square.
Fitting it into a day in Lublin
Litewski Square sits along the main axis leading towards Lublin's Old Town, so the monument pairs naturally with a longer stroll through the centre. You can combine it with the square's other patriotic markers and its fountains before continuing towards Krakowskie Przedmieście and the historic core. For ideas on what else to see nearby, our Lublin guide covers the wider city.
Good to know
The monument stands in the open air on Litewski Square, so there are no tickets or opening hours, and you can visit at any time of day.
Frequently asked questions
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