ANTONI STAWARZ
One of the most recognizable character of the former Free Royal City of Podgórze, established by Austrians in 1784, which in 1915 became part of‚ larger Kraków’.
Antoni Stawarz is a symbol of a significant struggle for independence of Kraków . He was a polish lieutenant in Austrian army , who became the initiator of opposing the Austrian rule and liberating Kraków.
On 31 October 1918, with a group of independence activists, young Antoni started the bloodless disarmament of soldiers of the Austrian army stationed in the barracks in Kalwaryjska Street.
Today the place is taken by Independence Square, which most probably used to be the very first piece of free Poland! It is here where, every year on 31st October, Cracovians celebrate the regaining of the independence.
I am there as well!
PS. The house in the picture is where Antoni Stawarz lived.