The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands in Piłsudski Square in central Warsaw, beneath the surviving arches of the former Saxon Palace. It commemorates Polish soldiers who died in wars and conflicts, including an unidentified young soldier killed while defending Lwów in 1920. An eternal flame burns beside the tomb, and soldiers keep a ceremonial watch. Pause to read the memorial and consider the urns holding soil from battlefields where Polish troops fought. Saxon Gardens lie just behind the square.
A memorial in the Saxon Palace remains
The tomb is set into the only surviving fragment of the Saxon Palace, which was destroyed during World War II. Its arches frame the memorial at Piłsudski Square, giving the site a direct link to the building that once stood here.
The monument was dedicated on 2 November 1925. It holds the remains of an unidentified young soldier who died defending Lwów in 1920. The memorial honours unknown soldiers who lost their lives fighting for Poland.
The flame and battlefield urns
An eternal flame burns beside the tomb, where soldiers stand ceremonial watch. Urns within the surviving palace pillars contain soil from battlefields where Polish soldiers fought. Together, the flame, the guard and the urns connect the memorial to a wider history of conflict and remembrance.
The tomb is also a place for official military commemorations in Poland. Foreign representatives lay wreaths here during visits to the country.
Watching the guard
The ceremonial guard is a central part of the visit. The changing of the guard takes place every hour throughout the year. Allow time to watch quietly, and approach the memorial as a place of remembrance.
Piłsudski Square is open at all hours. Saxon Gardens are just behind the monument, making them a natural addition to a visit.
FAQ
Where is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw?
It is in Piłsudski Square in central Warsaw, beside the remains of the Saxon Palace. Saxon Gardens are just behind it.
What does the tomb commemorate?
It honours unidentified soldiers who died fighting for Poland. The tomb holds the remains of a young soldier killed while defending Lwów in 1920.
What can you see at the memorial?
The site has an eternal flame, a ceremonial guard and urns containing soil from battlefields where Polish soldiers fought.
When does the changing of the guard take place?
It takes place every hour throughout the year.
