Pomník mezinárodní solidarity protifašistické koalice

The Monument to the International Solidarity of the Anti-Fascist Coalition stands on Nábřeží Svobody embankment in Český Těšín, on the site of a former World War II prisoner-of-war camp. The monument commemorates the camp's prisoners and the victims of fascism, and its form reflects the tragedy that unfolded on this spot decades earlier.

What stood here during the war?

In 1941 the Germans set up a prisoner-of-war camp in the nearby settlement of Kontešinec; from 1942 it operated under the name Stalag VIII B. Prisoners from many European countries were held there and forced to work mainly in the mines of the Cieszyn Silesia region. The monument was erected on the grounds of this former camp as a lasting tribute to the people held there.

What does the monument look like?

The centerpiece of the memorial is a tall, hexagonal pillar made of raw, exposed concrete. In the lower third of the pillar, bronze plaques bear reliefs depicting the suffering of the camp's prisoners. The whole structure stands on a paved, open plaza, giving the site the character of an accessible memorial space for visitors.

Who designed the monument?

The design was created by academic sculptor Štěpán Mikula together with engineer and architect Koce Krstovský, a Macedonian Greek. Their joint work gave the monument its form: a monumental, austere pillar with reliefs set into its base.

When was the monument unveiled?

The monument was unveiled in 1979 on the initiative of the Union of Anti-Fascist Fighters in Český Těšín (Svaz protifašistických bojovníků). It was therefore built decades after the war ended, as a deliberate effort by the local veterans' organization to preserve the memory of the camp and its victims.

Has the monument been restored?

Yes. Between 2010 and 2011 it underwent a complete restoration. The work was carried out by Michal Mikula, son of the original sculptor Štěpán Mikula, who had already passed away by then, adding a personal dimension of continuity to the project.

What was added during the restoration?

In 2011, as part of the same restoration project, additional memorial plaques were unveiled. They commemorate local residents who died serving in the armed forces between 1939 and 1945, as well as Polish officers murdered by the NKVD in 1940. The memorial site was thus expanded to honor victims whose fate extends beyond the history of the prisoner camp itself.

Where exactly is the monument located?

The monument stands on Nábřeží Svobody in Český Těšín, on the site of the former Stalag VIII B camp. Its geographic coordinates are 49.751092, 18.62247. Located along the riverbank, the site is easily reached on foot from the town center and is often visited during walks along the embankment.

Frequently asked questions

What does this monument commemorate? It commemorates the prisoners of the German POW camp Stalag VIII B, which operated on this site from 1941/1942, as well as the victims of fascism more broadly.

Who designed the monument? It was designed by sculptor Štěpán Mikula and architect Koce Krstovský, a Macedonian Greek.

When was the monument unveiled? It was unveiled in 1979 on the initiative of the Union of Anti-Fascist Fighters in Český Těšín.

What is the monument made of? The main element is a tall, hexagonal pillar of raw concrete with bronze relief plaques set into its lower section.

Has the monument been restored? Yes, it was fully restored between 2010 and 2011 by Michal Mikula, son of the original sculptor.

What else do the plaques at the monument commemorate? Plaques unveiled in 2011 honor local residents who died between 1939 and 1945, as well as Polish officers murdered by the NKVD in 1940.