Piłsudski Square

The square is named after Marshal Józef Piłsudski who was instrumental in the restoration of Polish statehood after World War I.

Piłsudski Square is the site of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, erected on top of the underground foundations of the Saxon Palace, destroyed by the Nazis in World War II.

As with most of the other Moscow Patriarchate churches in Warsaw, it was demolished in mid-1920s by the Polish authorities, less than 15 years after its construction, and in 1928, the square was renamed after Józef Piłsudski.

This event marked a more confrontational approach to the Soviet Union by the papacy and contributed to the eventual fall of communism in Poland.

The square is located in front of the 15–hectare Saxon Gardens extending south-west, close to the Zachęta and the Holy Trinity Church.

Warsaw skyline from Piłsudski Square. Left to right: Sofitel Warsaw Victoria Hotel, Holy Trinity Church , Palace of Culture and Science , Flagpole in the centre of the square, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Piłsudski Square, 1939
Piłsudski Square (then Victory Square) during Pope John Paul II visit to Warsaw; Holy Mass , 1979