The centerpiece of the bustling Castle Square, Sigismund’s Column is dedicated to King Sigismund III Vasa, who made Warsaw the Polish capital in the late 16th century. Though parts of the towering monument were destroyed during the war, some original features remain. Take pictures of this iconic column and observe the action on the surrounding square.
The column is one of Warsaw’s oldest monuments and dates back to 1644. Examine the structure and try to distinguish what parts of it are old and what is new. Like much of the city, the column was damaged during World War II, though it was later rebuilt from locally sourced Polish granite. Look around the edge of the square, where pieces of the original column are still displayed.
Gaze up to the top of the 72-foot (22-meter) column and inspect the statue of the bearded king sporting armor and a cape. This 10-foot (3-meter) sculpture miraculously survived the war, though it did require a new sword. Below this are four eagles standing guard and a plaque featuring Latin inscriptions.
Do your own research on the history of King Sigismund or take a tour to find out more about this important historical figure. Sigismund is perhaps best known for moving the Polish government from the old capital, Krakow, north to Warsaw.
The base of the column is a popular meeting spot for organized tours and local residents and as such, it is often crowded. Stop for a drink or a snack in one of the cafés around the square and people-watch from the sidelines. The plaza is frequently used for gatherings and performances.
Find Sigismund’s Column in the center of Castle Square, a great jumping-off point for exploring the Old Town. To get here, ride the tram to Stare Miasto. Nearby are many other prominent landmarks including the UNESCO-listed Royal Castle, a former royal residence which was painstakingly reconstructed after being razed during World War II.
