The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a touching memorial, honouring all those who died while fighting for their country. Find the monument sheltered under a lone-standing portico, the only remaining piece of Saxon Palace, which was destroyed during World War II.
While exploring the city of Warsaw, take a moment to ponder its turbulent past and to pay respects to the fallen soldiers who died while defending their country. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a fitting memorial to the lost. A quiet, contemplative atmosphere pervades here.
The monument was originally constructed in 1925 to house the remains of an unknown soldier who was killed during the Polish-Ukrainian war of 1918-1919. Along with the soldier’s remains went vessels containing soil from 14 different battle grounds on the eastern borderlands.
Notice the elegant colonnade that covers the tomb. This is the only surviving part of the Saxon Palace, a grand neoclassical 19th-century structure that was blown up after the failed Warsaw Rising in 1944. Read the names of the soldiers inscribed under the colonnade and examine the stone tablets, which reference wars from as far back as the 10th century.
See soldiers silently standing guard over the tomb and its ever-burning flame and watch the changing of the guard, which takes place hourly. If you are in town on Sunday, time your visit for midday to witness the more elaborate weekly Changing of the Guard ceremony. Observe the Polish soldiers’ unique marching style during the event. Major memorial ceremonies are also held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on important national days.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located in Saxon Gardens, a public park that’s perfect for walks and picnics. From the Tomb, it’s just a short walk to other nearby sights including the University of Warsaw and the Presidential Palace.
