Polnische Freiheitssäule

The Bar Column (Bar-Säule, also called the Polensäule) in Rapperswil-Jona is a monument on the castle hill above Lake Zurich, in the Swiss canton of St. Gallen. An eagle crowns the column, which commemorates the Bar Confederation of 1768. It is one of the oldest Polish landmarks in Switzerland and a natural stop on a visit to the castle and its Polish Museum.

What is the Bar Column and who paid for it?

The column was unveiled on 16 August 1868, exactly a century after the Bar Confederation was formed, an armed noble league that opposed Russian influence in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. It is also known as the Column of Freedom. The initiative came from Count Władysław Plater, a Polish exile who covered much of the cost himself. Two years later he founded the Polish Museum in the castle, which opened in 1870. The column therefore predates the museum and foreshadowed it.

Why is it on the castle hill?

The monument was first planned for the lakeshore. Russian protests led to its relocation higher up, near the castle, so that it would not stand out over the town. Today you find it on the hill, close to the western part of the castle grounds, with views over the lake and the old town.

What will you see?

The monument is a marble column topped by an eagle, the emblem of Poland. It stands outdoors, so you can see it at any hour. Combine the visit with the castle: the Polish Museum tells the story of the exiles who left after the Polish uprisings and holds many national keepsakes. Beyond the column, the hill itself and the lanes of the old town are worth a stroll.

How do you get there?

Rapperswil sits at the northeastern end of Lake Zurich and has direct rail service from Zurich. From the station, walk uphill through the old town to the castle, usually a matter of ten to fifteen minutes. If you drive, park in the lower part of town, as the hill and the centre are largely pedestrian.

When should you visit?

You can see the monument all year, though late spring, summer and early autumn bring the best weather and lake views. Check the museum's opening hours before you travel if you also want to go inside.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Bar Column unveiled?

On 16 August 1868, on the hundredth anniversary of the Bar Confederation.

Who funded it?

The idea and most of the money came from Count Władysław Plater, who later founded the Polish Museum in Rapperswil.

Is the column the same as the Polish Museum?

No. The column is a separate monument on the hill, while the museum is inside the castle. Plater and Polish national memory link the two.

Do I need a ticket to see the column?

The monument stands in the open space of the hill. Tickets apply to the museum, so check its conditions on the museum's website.