Iglica

Iglica (Polish: [iɡˈlʲit͡sa]; "spire" or "needle")[1] is a needle-like monument in Wrocław, Poland. It was built in 1948 and was 106 metres tall. Today, after renovation, the top ten metres have been removed and it is now 90 metres tall.

For the genus of freshwater snails, see Iglica (gastropod).
Iglica
The Needle
Iglica against the background of the Centennial Hall
General information
TypeMonument, sculpture
LocationWroclaw, Poland
Coordinates51.10754°N 17.07554°E / 51.10754; 17.07554
Construction started1948
Completed3 July 1948 (1948-07-03)
Height
Antenna spire90.3 m (296.3 ft)
Design and construction
Architect(s)Stanisław Hempel
EngineerMostostal

History

This structure was constructed by Polish Communists for an exhibition to celebrate regaining control over the "Regained Territories" after the Second World War with Stanisław Hempel being chosen as the designer. The Iglica is located very close to the Centennial Hall. Considering the hall’s German origin, planners decided to build a spire next to it that could become a symbol of Polish Wrocław and Polish technology.[2]

It was originally topped by a spinning contraption of mirrors, creating an "umbrella of light" at night, but this was struck by lightning within a day of completion, and prior to the official opening. The remnants of this damaged structure were apparently removed by two climbing enthusiasts at no cost, the military being unable to tackle the task.[3]

The spire was named one of Poland's official national Historic Monuments (Pomnik historii), as designated 20 April 2005, together with the Four Domes Pavilion, the Pergola, and Centennial Hall. Its listing is maintained by the National Heritage Board of Poland.

See also

References
  1. "Translation of iglica – Polish–English dictionary". Cambridge Dictionary. Retrieved 2020-04-14. a tall, pointed tower, especially one built on the roof of a church.
  2. Alex Webber. "Wrocław has a lot to offer, but the tale behind its Iglica spire is an odd one, as Webber's World finds out". thefirstnews.com. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
  3. "Iglica". Wrocław In Your Pocket. 2019-12-10. Retrieved 2020-04-14.
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