Memorial bench for the Polish community
Druskininkai is the oldest operating resort, founded in 1794 by order of the Grand Duke of Lithuania Stanisław August Poniatowski. The territory of the current city has been inhabited since ancient times, and 3 communities lived and developed within its borders, namely residents of Polish, Jewish and Lithuanian origin. In 1863, rebel groups operated in the vicinity of Druskininkai. During the interwar period, Druskininkai belonged to Poland (1920-1939). During that period, the resort was especially popularized by Józef Piłsudski, who spent a large part of his summer vacations here. Famous people lived in Druskininkai, such as Lithuanian painter and composer Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, sculptor Jacques Lipchitz, Karolis Dineika, founder of Druskininkai Physical Culture and Climatic Therapy Park, and famous doctor Ignacy Fonberg.
On the occasion of the 230th anniversary, the city of Druskininkai decorated the resort spaces with 4 benches-sculptures, created by the famous Lithuanian sculptor Romualdas Inčirauskas, in honor of these personalities.
Druskininkai Rotary Club “Sūrutis” has created another bench-sculpture dedicated to the Polish community in Druskininkai. These are famous people who lived here, created and contributed to the fame of the resort, such as the Polish writer Eliza Orzeszkowa, the poet Jan Czeczot, the writer Jozef Ignacy Kraszewski and the well-known historical figure Józef Piłsudski, an honorary citizen of Druskininkai during the interwar period. On the bench, the sculpture depicts the year 1863 and the emblem of the uprising, which symbolizes the unity of three nations (Lithuanian, Polish and Ukrainian) in the fight against the threat of Tsarist Russia, which is still relevant today. Józef Piłsudski beautiful thoughts about the city of Druskininkai are also framed on the bench. He loved Druskininkai and wrote in his memoirs – “Druskininkai were the surprise of the Creator’s thoughts in peace when he smiled.” The bench was built in a very beautiful place, on the bank of the Nemunas river, the former place of Józef Piłsudski summer residence.
