Saxon Garden

The Saxon Garden, or Ogród Saski, was established in the late 17th century and opened to the public in 1727 by King Augustus II the Strong. It was part of the ambitious 'Saxon Axis' urban project, which aimed to create a grand royal complex inspired by the Palace of Versailles. As one of the first publicly accessible parks in the world, it quickly became the center of Warsaw's social life, hosting festivals and royal celebrations. In the 19th century, the garden's layout was transformed from a rigid Baroque style into a more naturalistic English-style landscape. This era saw the addition of the iconic Great Fountain, designed by Henryk Marconi, and a series of 21 sandstone sculptures representing various virtues, sciences, and elements. These statues remain some of the park's most cherished features, surviving the many turmoils that the city faced over the following decades. The 20th century brought significant tragedy to the garden, particularly during World War II when the Saxon Palace was systematically destroyed by German forces. Today, the only surviving fragment of the palace is the central arcade that houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Despite the loss of the palace, the garden remains a symbol of Polish resilience and a beloved green retreat for both locals and tourists in the heart of the capital.