Józef Piłsudski

A Polish social and independence activist, soldier, politician, and statesman who lived in the years 1867-1935. From 1893, a member of the three-person Central Workers’ Committee of the PPS, in 1894-1900 the editor-in-chief of Robotnik. During this time, he often stayed in Krakow. In 1901, after successfully escaping the arrest in St. Petersburg, he was active only in Krakow until World War I. Lectures by the PPS committee were held at Ariańska street, Lubicz street – at Odon Bujwida’s house – and Karmelicka street. In the years 1914-1916 he became the commander of the 1st Brigade of Legions, and in 1918-1922 the head of state. In 1926, he made a coup d’état and decided about the country’s political life until the end of his life. A year later, on his initiative, J. Słowacki’s ashes were brought and deposited at Wawel. There are many places in Krakow commemorating his stays in the city. Over the years, he lived at several numbers on Topolowa street no 14, 24, 16 and 18, as well as on Szlak street no 31 and 25. He gave a speech at the Hotel Pod Różą at the invitation of an academic association,  in Podgórze as well. Piłsudski was buried in the Wawel Cathedral in the crypt of St. Leonard, two years later he was moved to the crypt under the Silver Bell Tower.