Napoleon's Arch in Ślesin

On the road to Sompolno in Ślesin stands a Neoclassical triumphal arch that locals call Napoleon's Gate. It was built in 1811 (some sources say 1812) in honour of the French emperor, who had passed through Ślesin four years earlier. The Polish Napoleonic Society describes it as the only Napoleonic monument from the time of the Duchy of Warsaw.

The arch Napoleon never saw

The structure was meant to greet the emperor again in 1812, after the expected victory in Russia. Residents hoped the army would march back this way. The Moscow campaign ended in disaster, and Napoleon most likely never saw the arch. Historians also note that the founders' intentions are not certain – the tribute may have been to Napoleon, his brother Jérôme or Frederick Augustus, Duke of Warsaw.

Form and detail

The arch has a main round-headed archway, through which cars still drive, and two lower side passages for pedestrians. Its faces are decorated with pilasters topped by Ionic capitals. A Napoleonic eagle crowns the top, and a sign limits vehicle height, as the monument still works as a gateway on a busy street.

A lorry and a rebuild

In 1972 the arch was badly damaged by a lorry whose driver did not fit under the archway. It was restored in 1976–1977, when the road layout around it was also changed, so its present form is not entirely original. In September 2012 the arch was repainted, and a separate statue of Napoleon was put up in the town park.

Tripto tips

The arch stands on a busy road, so take photos from the pavement and do not step into the roadway under the arch. Fifteen minutes is enough, and access is free at any time. Ślesin lies between Lake Ślesińskie and Lake Mikorzyńskie, so the visit combines well with a walk along the lakeside promenade, and Licheń Stary with its shrine is in the same municipality.