Florian Straszewski’s monument: a pause in the gardens he helped create

A reason to pause here

The broad steps and the upright obelisk give us a clear place to pause in the park. We would read the name on the monument, then look back at the garden that it overlooks.

Remembering a founder of Planty

Florian Straszewski helped establish and support Planty as Kraków’s old defences were replaced by public gardens. Residents funded this monument in 1874. Edward Stehlik designed the granite obelisk, with a relief portrait of Straszewski.

Look back from the steps

The broad planted steps in our gallery make us want to stop and look across the garden. We would read the name, notice the portrait, then take the surrounding paths. The monument is easier to understand when you have already walked a stretch of the park it commemorates.

Plan the visit

Treat this as a short outdoor stop during a Planty walk. Use the paths around the planting for different views; the steps shown in the gallery are not the only way to appreciate the monument. Keep flower beds clear and give benches and paths room.