QUEERWARSAW
Sigismund Column
most Polish galleries. Indeed, it is well worth a visit regardless of the topic of its current exhibition – it is invariably a cultural event! See also: ▶ Konopnicka Maria, ▶ The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Sigismund Column monument, Zamkowy Square, built in 1644
It would be difficult to miss the column which dominates Zamkowy Square and is one of the most distinctive symbols of the city. It is worth spending a while here, as it is a place of exceptional importance to us. The Column, erected in 1644 by king Władysław IV Waza (de Valois), was to remind the next generations about his father Sigismund, whose wonderful idea it was to move the capital of Poland from Krakow to Warsaw. The column was created by Wazas’ court artists – Constantino Tencalla and Augustyn Locci, and king’s figure was sculpted by Clemente Molli and cast in a Warsaw workshop of Daniel Tym. Just like Warsaw itself, the Sigismund Column had a very turbulent history. The most tragic moment was its fall during the night of 1st to 2ⁿd September 1944. A copy was made and re-erected a few metres aside from where it was before and revealed on (goes without saying) 22ⁿd July 1949 (communist state holiday) as a “decorative element” of the W-Z Route. The remains of the original column can be seen at the southern side of the Royal Castle. The Column played an important role in the history of Polish LGBT movement. It was here that in 1993 first public gay manifestation took place. Here is how Inaczej magazine described it:
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On 14th of February, on Valentine’s Day, for the first time Warsaw's gay people gathered for a manifestation. Signs that read: “Miłość jest jedna” [There is one love], “Gej jest OK” 107. Sigismund Column and Royal Castle [Gay is ok] were hung on the column. Barbara Stanosz from the Association for Humanism and Independent Ethics said that every person should have the right to choose a life model that fits their sexual preferences. Around 50 participants, and an equal number of journalists, took part in the happening. It was organised by Stowarzyszenie Grup Lambda. “This is our first event. Though it might appear otherwise, we are present in the society. We love like everyone else, we live like everyone else. Gay is OK” Kacper from Lambda Warsaw told the media.
The second protest took place in 1998. It started shakily – the borough authorities have not issued approval for the happening entitled “We love the same way”. However,
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