Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers
A poignant monument of three steel crosses commemorating workers killed in 1970 protests, symbolizing Poland's fight for freedom.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A poignant monument of three steel crosses commemorating workers killed in 1970 protests, symbolizing Poland's fight for freedom.
"A moving and symbolic monument, crucial for understanding Poland's struggle for freedom."
Combine with Museum
Don't miss the Solidarność Museum behind the monument; it's the real star! :museum_building:
Allow Time for Reflection
The monument is moving. Take a moment to absorb the history and significance. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Three Crosses
Towering steel crosses with anchors, a powerful symbol of the 1970 uprising and the fight for workers' rights.
Memorial Plaques
Commemorating victims of workers' uprisings across Poland, offering a broader perspective on resistance.
Shipyard Cranes View
Glimpse the imposing shipyard cranes, a reminder of the industrial heart that fueled the protests.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the History
Combine with Museum Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Combine with Museum
Don't miss the Solidarność Museum behind the monument; it's the real star! :museum_building:
Allow Time for Reflection
The monument is moving. Take a moment to absorb the history and significance. :pray:
English Signage Needed
Wish more signs were in English for international visitors. :globewithmeridians:
Quick Photo Op
The Cross Monument itself is a quick 5-minute visit for photos. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Combine with Museum
Don't miss the Solidarność Museum behind the monument; it's the real star! :museum_building:
Allow Time for Reflection
The monument is moving. Take a moment to absorb the history and significance. :pray:
English Signage Needed
Wish more signs were in English for international visitors. :globewithmeridians:
Quick Photo Op
The Cross Monument itself is a quick 5-minute visit for photos. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers to be a deeply moving and historically significant site, especially when combined with the comprehensive Solidarność Museum. It's praised as a powerful symbol of resistance and a crucial part of understanding Poland's fight for freedom. Some wish for more English signage to fully grasp the context.
"I'm old enough to remember the protests here that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union, so this was very meaningful to me. You can also see some of the shipyard cranes from the memorial site."
Linda Suskie
"Beautiful monument to horrible events. Although the crosses are primarily dedicated to the fallen shipyard workers, the memorial plaques at the base commemorate the victims of other workers' uprisings elsewhere in Poland. It is a poignant reminder that the resistance to communist rule was widespread, continuous and claimed many lives, even if the tragedies didn't always receive enough publicity in the West."
John Sgouros
"Very impressive monument. However some of the metal signs on the wall should be in English too. There are so many tourists who visit and they should be able to understand."
Kostas Markakis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The monument is located in Gdańsk, Poland, near the historic shipyard entrance. It's easily accessible by public transport, with trams and buses stopping nearby. Many visitors combine their visit with the Solidarność Museum, which is located directly behind the monument. :bus: :tram:
Limited parking may be available in the vicinity, but it's recommended to use public transportation due to potential congestion, especially during peak tourist seasons. :car:
Depending on your starting point in Gdańsk, it might be a pleasant walk, or you can take a short tram or bus ride. Check local transport schedules for the most convenient route. :walking:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The monument itself is an outdoor memorial and is generally free to visit. However, the adjacent Solidarność Museum requires an admission ticket. :ticket:
As an outdoor memorial, the monument is accessible at all times. The Solidarność Museum has specific opening hours, which can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information. :clock1:
No, there is no entrance fee to view the Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers. It's a public space dedicated to remembrance. :moneywithwings:
Absolutely! Most visitors find it most impactful to visit both the monument and the Solidarność Museum consecutively. You can purchase museum tickets at the museum's entrance. :link:
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed at the outdoor monument. It's a popular spot for capturing the powerful symbolism. Remember to be respectful of the solemn nature of the site. :camerawithflash:
Try capturing the full scale of the three crosses from a distance, and get closer to photograph the details of the anchors and memorial plaques. The museum building behind also offers interesting photographic opportunities. :iphone:
While generally permitted at the monument, always be mindful of any temporary signage or specific rules, especially if there are any ceremonies or events taking place. Photography inside the museum may have its own set of regulations. :noentrysign:
🎫 🏛️ Nearby Attractions
The most significant nearby attraction is the Solidarność Museum, which offers an in-depth look at the Solidarity movement. You can also see the historic shipyard cranes and the original shipyard entrance. :factory:
The monument itself is a quick visit (around 5-10 minutes), but the Solidarność Museum can easily take 2-3 hours to explore thoroughly. Plan for at least half a day if you want to experience both fully. :timer_clock:
Yes, it's intrinsically linked to the Gdańsk Shipyard and the birthplace of the Solidarity movement. The monument and museum are key components of understanding this pivotal period in Polish history. :world_map:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
History Enthusiasts
Consider dedicating at least half a day to fully explore both the monument and the museum. Reading up on the 1970 protests and the rise of Solidarity beforehand can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the site's significance.
Day-Trippers from Gdańsk
Combine this visit with other Gdańsk attractions like the Old Town or the European Solidarity Centre for a well-rounded experience. Remember that the museum requires a separate ticket and can take a few hours to explore thoroughly.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Significance
This event, though tragic, laid the groundwork for the formation of the Solidarność (Solidarity) movement. The courage shown by the shipyard workers and the subsequent widespread resistance ultimately contributed to the collapse of communist rule in Poland and had a ripple effect across Eastern Europe. Visiting the monument offers a tangible connection to this pivotal struggle for freedom and human rights.
It's important to note that while the three crosses are the primary focus, the memorial plaques at the base extend the commemoration to victims of other workers' uprisings throughout Poland. This broadens the monument's message, highlighting a continuous and widespread resistance against oppressive regimes.
Experiencing the Monument and Museum
Inside the museum, you'll find an impressive collection of memorabilia, photographs, documents, and registers detailing the uprisings and their context. Travelers highly recommend allocating a significant amount of time, often 2-3 hours, to fully absorb the exhibits and understand the complex history of the Solidarity movement. The combination of the symbolic monument and the detailed museum provides a comprehensive and moving experience.
Some visitors have noted that while the monument is impressive, they wished for more signage in English to better understand the historical context. This is a point to consider for international travelers, though the museum itself often provides multilingual information. The proximity to the actual shipyard cranes also adds to the immersive atmosphere, connecting the past struggles with the industrial landscape.
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