Kościuszko Mound / Kopiec Kościuszki

There are only few men like Tadeusz Kościuszko in the World's history. Before raising a valiant Insurrection against foreign rule in Poland, Tadeusz Kościuszko fought with distinction in the American War of Independence. This relentless freedom-fighter was described by Thomas Jefferson as "the purest son of liberty that I have ever known".

When Kościuszko died, his body was placed in the royal crypts, but the people demanded a more public monument. With the approval of the Norbertine Sisters who granted the land, city authorities began developing an artificial burial mound to be constructed atop Bronisława Hill in Zwierzyniec. Funding was provided by Polish residents from all over the country and other outlying Polish settlements, and people came from all over, bringing dirt from their towns and villages to add to the mound.

In the 1850s the occupying Austrian military authorities built a brick fortress around the Mound, which they used as a strategic lookout point. Demolishing a chapel of St. Bronisława at the site, the thoughtful Austrians actually built a new chapel, incorporating it into the stronghold. By contrast, the Germans later threatened to entirely level the Mound and surrounding fortifications during their WWII occupation. Though parts of the fortress were destroyed, the complex has been restored and significant engineering improvements have been made to the Mound to ensure its longevity.

Over the years, the iconic hill has been damaged by weather and erosion but each time it has been repaired by local citizens and government who see the mound as a powerful symbol of Polish independence.

Climbing to the peak is tiring work, but the panoramic views of Kraków are a worthwhile reward. The neo-Gothic Chapel of St. Bronisława, which contains a medley of objects connected to Kościuszko's life, can also be visited and the surrounding fortifications also house two cafes, a radio station, restaurant, and four additional historical exhibitions - one of which is wax museum of famous Poles. Admission is included with the mound to all exhibits.