The Adam Mickiewicz Monument, standing at the end of Sienna Street on the Main Market Square, is more than a statue of a famous poet — it is a landmark, a symbol of national memory and a daily meeting place for locals. Cracovians affectionately call it “Adaś” and routinely arrange to meet “under Adaś”. For visitors it’s one of the simplest and most recognizable starting points for a walk through the Old Town.
The very presence of the sculpture in the heart of the square tells a story of identity and memory: the project was designed by Teodor Rygier and the monument was unveiled in 1898 to mark the poet’s centenary. Its wartime destruction, the discovery of fragments at a foreign scrapyard and the postwar reconstruction made the monument a symbol of resilience and the city’s recovery. Today, alongside its aesthetic value, the monument serves a practical purpose: an easy-to-remember meeting point for tours, couples and groups of friends.
The monument was financed largely through public fundraising and a design competition; Teodor Rygier’s project was chosen for realisation. The official unveiling took place in 1898, on the 100th anniversary of Adam Mickiewicz’s birth.
During World War II the monument was destroyed by the occupiers. After the war many elements were recovered from a scrapyard and, following painstaking reconstruction, the statue was returned to the Market Square — the ceremonies connected with the rebuilding underscored the memorial’s importance to the city community. Later restorations of the square also brought back historical elements around the monument, such as the mosaic circle and stylized lanterns.
The central figure is the standing poet; at his feet, on an elaborate multi-level pedestal, are four allegorical figures. They represent values connected to the poet’s mission and the nation: the Fatherland, Learning, Courage and Poetry. From different approaches across the square each figure reveals a different aspect — a carefully thought-through composition designed to form a coherent story from many viewpoints.
A dedication to the poet appears on the pedestal, and the monument’s creation was also a social gesture: much of the funding came from donations by residents and the Polish diaspora.
Over the years the Adam Mickiewicz Monument has gathered local customs and amusing superstitions. The best-known tradition involves high-school students: after their prom (studniówka) a class comes to the Market Square and circles or jumps around the monument in the hope of good exam results. The number of rounds or jumps varies — five or six are typical — and this practice shows how the monument has become part of local ritual.
Another common anecdote says that “the whole city” meets under Adaś — from couples in love to tour groups. It’s a simple, effective meeting point whose recognizability helps visitors quickly feel connected to local customs.
If you plan your first meeting with a guide at the Mickiewicz Monument, remember a few simple tips that will help your tour start smoothly and make the place more meaningful. First: agree on a precise spot — for example “by the Cloth Hall side” or “from the direction of Sienna Street” — because crowds of tourists and locals can make it hard to find one another.
A good guide will begin with a short introduction: a concise story about the author, key dates, symbolism and a few curiosities helps move from a mere meeting point to a broader narrative about Kraków and its historic roles. If you want photos without crowds, arrange for an early morning slot — the light is often better then as well.
The guide can also suggest a route tailored to your time and interests: a walk through the Cloth Hall, a climb to St. Mary’s Tower, or a march toward Wawel. For short tours the talk at “Adaś” nicely links literature, art and city history in an accessible way.
The best times for photos and quiet viewing are early morning (around 6:30–9:00) or late afternoon after 18:00, especially outside the summer season. At midday the Market can be very crowded, particularly on weekends and during holiday peaks.
The Market surface is paved with slabs and cobbles — wear comfortable shoes. Families with strollers or visitors using wheelchairs should know that moving around is possible but some sections are uneven. If you have limited mobility, tell your guide in advance — routes can usually be planned for maximum comfort.
The monument stands in open space so there are no tickets or opening hours. Be aware of temporary fences during city events, concerts or conservation work.
If you also plan to visit museum interiors or Wawel the same day, reserve tickets in advance — places fill up quickly in season.
The Main Market Square area is full of restaurants and cafés for every budget. For classic, highly regarded options consider the historic Wierzynek restaurant — its atmosphere and high-quality cuisine make it a special place (reservations are advisable). Another popular choice is Szara, known for regional and modern dishes.
For coffee or cake, Café Camelot offers a cosy interior, and Charlotte is well known for fresh baked goods and a comfortable breakfast. If you prefer something more intimate, the narrow streets around the Market hide small, charming cafés and bars that receive excellent guest reviews.
Remember: the centre has both very popular (and pricier) places and smaller local eateries — when planning lunch or dinner, check current reviews and reserve a table, especially in the evening.
Contrary to what you might expect, Adam Mickiewicz never lived in Kraków; his monument became important here after his death as an expression of collective memory and national pride. It’s an interesting example of how a city creates symbols that aren’t always directly connected to a person’s biography.
During the war parts of the monument were taken away and some pieces were only found after the conflict at a scrapyard outside the country. Their return and reconstruction gave residents a powerful emotional experience — the monument thus carries the symbolic weight of rebuilding after destruction.
For photographers — the monument looks great from ground level as well as from higher viewpoints: St. Mary’s Tower offers an excellent vantage point to capture the monument with the Cloth Hall in the background.
Mistake: coming at the busiest hours and being surprised that it’s hard to take a photo without crowds. Fix: come early in the morning or in the evening, or position yourself beside the Cloth Hall where the frame is often less crowded.
Mistake: trying to fit too many paid attractions into one day without booking ahead. Fix: if you want to combine the monument with Wawel, museums or St. Mary’s Tower, check and buy tickets in advance.
Mistake: not preparing for the weather — the Market is open, so an umbrella or a hat for sun/snow is a sensible idea. Fix: check the forecast and dress appropriately; a walk around the Market connects many outdoor attractions.
Where exactly should we meet the guide? - The simplest way is to specify a side of the monument (for example “by the Cloth Hall side, from Sienna Street”), and if the group is large agree on the guide’s sign colour or a badge number.
Can you climb onto the pedestal or touch the sculpture? - The monument is a protected heritage object; climbing on the pedestal or touching parts of the sculpture in a way that could cause damage is not allowed. Also respect fencing and protections during conservation work.
Is the monument accessible for wheelchair users? - Yes, the Market is accessible, though the surface can be uneven. If you need detailed assistance, tell your guide in advance so the route can be adapted.
Are there big crowds during the Christmas season? - Definitely: during holiday markets and major events the Market gets very busy; choose off-peak hours for a calmer visit.
The Adam Mickiewicz Monument is an excellent meeting point for your first encounter with a guide and an ideal starting spot for exploring central Kraków. At “Adaś” history, art and local customs meet — a short story here opens the door to many more of the city’s tales.
If you want your visit to be well planned, comfortable and tailored to your group’s interests, consider booking a private guide with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Małgorzata can help plan an itinerary, reserve museum and attraction tickets, and assist with booking accommodation, restaurants and transport. For contact details and booking options, visit the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website or get in touch directly with Małgorzata.
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