Located at Piłsudski Square, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is Poland's most vital national monument dedicated to unidentified soldiers who gave their lives for their country. As you visit this solemn space, you are standing at the only surviving fragment of the historic Saxon Palace, which was destroyed during World War II. First established in 1925 to house the remains of a young soldier from the Defence of Lwów, the tomb today serves as the central focal point for official military commemorations and foreign diplomatic wreath-laying ceremonies.
When you explore the site, you will see an eternal flame flickering beneath the preserved colonnade pillars, perpetually guarded by members of the 1st Guards Battalion. Take time to examine the urns containing earth brought from historic battlefields, alongside decorative stone tablets carved with the names and dates of significant military engagements. You can still spot the original damaged wall sections on either side of the monument, offering a tangible link to the site's dramatic wartime destruction.
Surrounded by rich history and enduring reverence, this powerful Warsaw landmark provides you with an unforgettable, deeply moving experience during your journey through Poland.
What to see at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Warsaw
- The constantly lit eternal flame housed beneath the central colonnade
- An active military honor guard from the 1st Guards Battalion
- Urns containing battlefield soil where Polish soldiers fought
- Stone tablets featuring historic battle names and commemorative military actions
- Preserved remnants of the original damaged walls from the former Saxon Palace
Visiting tips
Plan to arrive at the top of the hour to witness the formal changing of the guard ceremony, which takes place every full hour 365 days a year.
How long: 30-45 minutes · Best time: At the full hour
How to get there & what’s nearby
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Warsaw is easy to reach on Warsaw’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Palace of Culture and Science and National Museum in Warsaw. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Warsaw travel guide.
See the full Warsaw travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.