Technical monuments

Red Baron Aircraft in Świdnica

In the central part of Sikorski Park in Świdnica stands a red triplane — a replica of the Fokker Dr.I, the type flown by Manfred von Richthofen, the most famous fighter ace of the First World War, known as the Red Baron. The monument is a calling card of the town and at the same time the story of a boy who spent his youth here and won world fame over the trenches of France.

The Świdnica years of the Red Baron

Richthofen's bond with the town was close: as a child he arrived here from Wrocław and lived with his parents in a villa near today's park. He attended the Protestant grammar school in Świdnica, so the traces of his biography reach just a few streets away from where the aircraft stands. The choice of the park as the monument's location is therefore no accident — it is the neighbourhood of the ace's youth.

Achievements and the grim tally of war

Richthofen scored 80 officially recognised aerial victories — the most of any pilot of that war. He received the highest Prussian distinctions, including the Pour le Mérite order and the Iron Cross 1st class. He died in France, shot down from the ground by an Australian soldier. Reports of his successive victories impressed even his opponents, and the red-painted machine became the emblem of his squadron.

A replica after renovation

The example standing in the park has undergone renovation in recent years, regaining its saturated colour and clear markings. It is a favourite photo backdrop for locals and one of the most photographed objects in town.

In practice

The monument stands in the park on Sikorskiego street and can be visited at any time — entry is free and the object is available round the clock, all year. There is a free car park nearby, and the walk combines conveniently with a tour of Świdnica's old town and the Church of Peace, listed by UNESCO.