The Saxon Garden is Warsaw's oldest public park, laid out in the early 18th century, and it borders Piłsudski Square. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with an eternal flame, stands in the surviving arcade of the former Saxon Palace.
The Saxon Garden and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier lie beside plac Piłsudskiego in the city centre of Warsaw, Poland. The Saxon Garden is the city's oldest public park, laid out in the early 18th century as the grounds of the Saxon Palace under the Saxon kings of Poland, and opened to the public in the 1700s. It remains one of the most popular green spaces in central Warsaw, with tree-lined avenues, lawns, a fountain and a large ornamental pond.
Visitors enter through gates facing Piłsudski Square and walk along formal alleys lined with 19th-century sculptures, many of them allegorical figures from the original garden design. A water tower in neo-classical style stands by the pond, and a sundial and benches create quiet corners. Families, office workers and tourists use the park throughout the year, and it is especially pleasant in spring and summer.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands on the square side, in the surviving arcade of the former Saxon Palace, which was destroyed by German forces in 1944. The tomb holds soil from battlefields, and an eternal flame burns day and night. A ceremonial guard stands watch, and a changing of the guard takes place at set times, which visitors can watch from the square. The monument is outdoors and accessible at any time.
A visit takes 45 to 60 minutes, including a walk through the garden and a stop at the tomb. Late afternoons in warm months are lively and pleasant, while mornings are calmer. The tomb is a solemn memorial, so visitors should be respectful and quiet. The garden is a five-minute walk from the Świętokrzyska metro station and links naturally to Krakowskie Przedmieście and the Royal Route.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Garden open daily from morning to dusk; the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is outdoors and accessible at any time |
| Typical visit | 45-60 minutes |
| Best time | Spring and summer afternoons |
| Getting there | Metro M2 Świętokrzyska station, about 5 minutes on foot |
| Address | plac Piłsudskiego, 00-078 Warsaw |
Location
plac Piłsudskiego, 00-078 Warsaw
52.2410, 21.0152 View on map
Highlights
- The eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- The ceremonial changing of the guard at the tomb
- Formal alleys with 19th-century sculptures
- The pond, fountain and water tower
Tips for visiting
- Time the visit for the changing of the guard at the tomb.
- Come on a spring or summer afternoon for the best atmosphere.
- Treat the tomb as a solemn memorial and keep voices low.
- Continue on to Krakowskie Przedmieście, five minutes away.
- Entry is free and the garden is open from morning to dusk.
When to visit
Spring and summer afternoons are lively, and mornings are calmer.
Accessibility
The garden has wide, level paths that suit wheelchair users in general, though gravel sections may be uneven. The tomb is reachable at street level from the square.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
A visit usually takes 45 to 60 minutes, including the tomb.
Is it free to visit?
Yes. The garden and the tomb are free.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography is allowed, though visitors should be respectful near the tomb and its guards.