Depicted lying dead at the steps of the statue is Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights Ulrich von Jungingen.

The monument was designed by Polish sculptors Antoni Wiwulski and Franciszek Black and funded by renowned pianist and future Prime Minister of Poland, Ignacy Jan Paderewski.

He wanted to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the victorious Battle of Grunwald fought between Poland and Grand Duchy of Lithuania against the Teutonic Knights on 15 July 1410.

Eventually, the latter option was chosen partly thanks to its close proximity to the Kraków's defensive walls, which reflected in their appearance the early Jagiellonian era.

Antoni Wiwulski worked on the statue of King Jagiełło during his stay in Paris but the project was temporarily halted due to the sculptor's sudden illness.

[6] In front of the monument, a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was located featuring a symbolic marble plaque designed by Wiktor Zin.

[10] The monument is 24 meters (78 ft) tall and at the top of it an equestrian statue of King Władysław Jagiełło is located.