Masterminded by the nation’s last monarch, Stanisław August Poniatowski, the constitution was visionary at the time, seeking to reduce the inequalities associated with serfdom whilst also bringing widespread reforms to the monarchy.
Regarded as “a milestone in the history of law and in the growth of democracy,” it was Europe’s first such constitution, and only the second in the world after the United States.
Fittingly, it’s architect – Poniatowski – is celebrated via a striking equestrian monument that stands outside the Presidential Palace. Commissioned on the behest of Countess Anna Potocka, and designed by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, the sculpture was completed in 1832. However, in an era Tsarist repression, permission to unveil the monument was rescinded by the ruling Russians, and the monument was taken out of Poland to decorate a palace in Gomel.
This wasn’t an entirely bad move, as the statue had – apparently – scandalized much of Warsaw’s public. Instead of presenting Poniatowski as a noble, knightly figure, Thorvaldsen had instead imagined him as a half-naked, robe-wearing Roman.
As for the constitution itself, that was adopted in the Senate Chamber of the Royal Castle.
After, the King and his deputies swore to uphold it in St. John’s Cathedral.
A good excuse to visit the Old Town? Most certainly. But whilst there, explore it further and enjoy the noticeable lack of tourists while you can!
Words & Photos: AW
