Memorial to Bratislava Kyiv Solidarity

In 1977, Bratislava hosted solidarity days with its twin city Kyiv. To mark the occasion, three stone memorial columns were erected at popular meeting places across Bratislava – on Kamenné Square in the Old Town, in the castle park in Rusovce, and in Družba Park in Dúbravka. 

The Solidarity Memorial in the Old Town stands on a small grass island that forms part of the entrance area to the former Prior department store. 

The designers, A. Balážik and R. Miklánek, applied the same concept to each of the three memorial columns, although the column in Rusovce is somewhat smaller. Two slightly recessed lower niches on opposite sides feature the coats of arms of Bratislava and Kyiv, while shallow upper niches bear two inscriptions – Kyiv Days in Bratislava, 12–13 September 1977 and a verse by Pavol Koyš: Kyiv, with brotherly hand extended, the pride and glory of bloodstained paths we chart. Bratislava, your sister as called, will forever hold you warmly in her heart.

Above the inscriptions are socialist symbols – a five-pointed star in relief, and a hammer and sickle. 

ZZ

Research status as of 30. 06. 2023.


Authorship


Years

  • 1979 – 1982 – implementation

Type

Material

artificial stone, crushed stone, cement

Technique

casting, polishing, carving

Dimensions

220 x 85, diameter 50 cm

Inscription

unidentified

Condition

  • preserved, not maintained
Dirt deposits, slight mechanical damage, and dampness in the lower section.

Registration

  • Located in Monument Zone Central Urban Area, Bratislava.

Owner

  • Bratislava the Capital City of Slovakia

Administrator

  • Marianum Burial Services of the City of Bratislava

Address

Kamenné Square

Location details

in front of the former Prior department store on the corner of Špitálska and Štúrova streets and SNP Square

Plot number

8592/33

GPS

48.1447690, 17.1132580

Other works in the area

Prior Department Store Cornerstone

Ivan Matušík 1964 – 1968

Clock with Chimes

Jaroslav Kočiš 1968 – 1969

Drama and Ballet

František Draškovič 1953

Drinking Fountain on Velvet Revolution Square

Alexander Bilkovič 1988