Solidarity Monument in Nowa Huta

The Solidarity Monument "Be faithful, go" (Bądź wierny, idź) stands in the centre of Nowa Huta, on the southern side of Plac Centralny. It commemorates the first Solidarity uprisings and those who, in the post-war period, stood up in defence of faith, workers' rights and human dignity.

Where the monument came from

The monument was unveiled on 10 November 1999 in front of the hall of the slabbing mill (zgniatacz) of the Tadeusz Sendzimir Steelworks. In that department the strongest organisation of the NSZZ "Solidarność" trade union in the works was formed, and in 1988 the strike committee had its seat there. It was put up on the initiative of Solidarity members from the rolling mill, with money collected in a public appeal and from sponsors. In 2005, in connection with plans to demolish the hall, it was moved to Plac Centralny and unveiled again.

Form and inscriptions

The monument takes the shape of a steel letter V, a symbol of victory, set on a plinth. On the letter are eleven plaques with dates important in the history of Nowa Huta, from 1960 and the defence of the cross, through the election of Karol Wojtyła as pope, to the reactivation of Solidarity in 1989. At the base is a crowned eagle, and on the plinth four plaques commemorating the defence of the cross, the election of the pope, the events of December 1970, and the birth of Solidarity in 1980 and in Nowa Huta.

Practical information

• Location: Nowa Huta, Plac Centralny, southern side.
• The monument stands in a public space, accessible at all times.