Monument to E. Ozheshko

One of the oldest surviving monuments in Grodno is the bust of the great Grodno-born writer Eliza Orzeszkowa. The initiative to create the monument was taken by the Grodno Magistrate in 1923. The competition for the best design was won by Romuald Zerych, a graduate of the Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts, who was then contracted to create the monument.

Design and Materials

According to the sculptor’s vision, the monument consisted of a pedestal placed on steps and a bust of the writer with an inscription and decorative elements. Durable and long-lasting materials were chosen: the pedestal and steps were made of Szydłowiec sandstone, while the bust was cast in bronze. The pedestal with the base reached a height of 4 meters, while the bust itself measured approximately 110 cm.

Bas-reliefs and Symbolism

One of the key elements of the monument was a series of bronze bas-reliefs located on the first tier of the pedestal. Three of them depicted scenes from Eliza Orzeszkowa’s famous novel "On the Niemen," while the fourth, located on the front side, illustrated the novel "Ad astra." These artistic details emphasized the writer’s significance and her contribution to Polish and Belarusian literature.

Unveiling of the Monument

The monument was installed in a square on Teatralnaya Square (now part of the city park). The official unveiling and blessing took place on October 20, 1929. The event was attended by government officials, intellectuals, and residents of Grodno who highly valued the writer’s work.

Fate of the Monument During the War

During World War II, the monument was moved to the city cemetery. According to one version, it was hidden by local residents to protect it from destruction. According to another, German occupiers toppled the bust from the pedestal and transported it to the cemetery.

Restoration and New Location

On June 5, 1947, the City Council decided to restore the monument and allocated funds for its reconstruction. However, it was reinstalled in a different location— in the square at the intersection of Orzeszkowa and Telegrafnaya streets. The restored monument was unveiled in late August 1947 on Grodno’s main street, which was named after the writer. The bust, made of gray polished granite, was placed on a multi-tiered pedestal 2.85 meters high with an inscription in Polish: "Elizie Orzeszkowej."

Eliza Orzeszkowa — A Prominent Writer

Eliza Orzeszkowa was a renowned Polish-language writer and public figure. Her works played an important role in the development of both Belarusian and Polish literature. One of her most famous novels, "On the Niemen," vividly describes the lives and traditions of Belarusian peasants.

Excursions in Grodno: Following Eliza Orzeszkowa’s Trail

The monument to Eliza Orzeszkowa is an important part of sightseeing tours in Grodno. Visitors can explore not only the monument but also the writer’s house-museum on Orzeszkowa Street. Royal City of Grodno Tour