Found in the city’s Siekierki district, the mound was created in the post-war years from tons of rubble brought from the center. Measuring approximately 35-meters in height, many viewed it as being a symbolic ‘tomb’.
Accessed by what is reputedly the longest stairwell in the city, the 350 steps currently take visitors to a peak proudly capped with a Kotwica – the official emblem of the 1944 Uprising.
Touting staggering views of the city, it’s here that annual commemorations to mark the insurgency reach their zenith with the solemn lighting of a pyre that is kept alight for 63-days – the length of the ill-fated battle.
Now, however, plans are afoot to lend the landmark a new lease of life and, in the process, make it more user-friendly.
Devised by topoScape and Archigrest, the approved plans envisage the creation of a park at the bottom that will feature, among other things, a dog run, playground, educational paths and raised treetop walkways.
Furthermore, repairs will be made to the stairwell whilst other changes will include the introduction of a lapidarium containing various bits and pieces found during the clearing of the city.
Additionally, the Kotwica will be moved slightly to make way for a two-tier viewing platform cut into the hill.
Costing approximately PLN 15 million, the projected should be completed by mid-Autumn of 2022.
(Images: press materials)