Krzyż Katyński, Kraków

Krzyż Katyński is a memorial cross honouring the victims of the Katyń massacre. You can find it at the foot of Wawel, beside Saint Giles’ Church, on Father Adam Studziński Square. Its dark wooden form rises about 5 m, and the crossbeam carries the gilded word “KATYŃ” together with the dates 1940 and 1990.

A granite plaque at the base lists places connected with Poland’s recent tragic history, including Kozielsk, Ostaszków, Starobielsk, Łubianka, Montelupich and Nowa Huta. The monument was designed by Kraków sculptor Jacek Marek and consecrated on 19 May 1990 by Cardinal Franciszek Macharski. In 2000, its timber, lettering and plaque underwent conservation. Memorial ceremonies are held here for the Katyń victims, and the cross also became a gathering place after the Smolensk air disaster in 2010.