Paprykarz Szczeciński pomnik - instalacja

If you are looking for the most unusual and "delicious" symbol of the city, the Paprykarz Szczeciński Monument is exactly what you need. This original art installation is a giant metal can of the famous fish spread that made Szczecin famous far beyond the region. Located on the picturesque Gryfitów Square on the Łasztownia embankment, this sculpture has become a real magnet for tourists and locals alike.

The installation accurately reproduces the 1960s packaging design. You can read the authentic ingredients on the can: fish, rice, onion, and paprika. A unique feature of the art object is that the lid is slightly ajar, allowing you to peek inside. This ironic monument is not just a funny figure, but a tribute to the culinary heritage that Poland gave the world in the middle of the last century.

Paprykarz Szczeciński Monument. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Set in the grounds of the former city slaughterhouse, the monument fits harmoniously into the post-industrial landscape of the area. Although technically a temporary installation, it has already become an integral part of the city skyline and has earned high praise from travelers for its originality and nostalgic atmosphere.

For those who want to clarify details or learn more about the region's culinary traditions, the following contact information is available:

The main entertainment here is, of course, a photo session. The huge can of paprykarz is perfect for creative shots. Visitors love posing as if they are trying to open the lid or tasting a giant portion of the paste. This spot is deservedly considered one of the most "Instagrammable" in the city thanks to its bright color and unusual shape.

After getting the perfect shots, take a stroll through Łasztownia. This area has transformed into a modern cultural space where you can see historical port cranes, nicknamed "cranosaurs" by locals, and visit the Maritime Science Centre. Street markets and food courts often operate along the embankment, where you can find not only souvenirs but also try fresh paprykarz prepared according to modern recipes.

If you visit in summer, there is a good chance you will catch one of the many festivals or open-air concerts. The installation serves as an excellent starting point for a long promenade along the Oder, during which you can study the label on the can and learn how a simple rationalization idea turned into the region's main gastronomic brand.

The monument is conveniently located on Gryfitów Square in the modernized Łasztownia district, situated on the right bank of the Oder. The most pleasant way to get here is a stroll from the city center. Cross the bridge, follow the embankment behind Trasa Zamkowa, and pass the Maritime Science Centre building — the giant can will be waiting for you right behind it.

If you prefer public transport, take the buses or trams going to stops in the Łasztownia area (for example, Zajezdnia Golęcin). From the main railway station Szczecin Główny, the walk takes about 20–30 minutes, while a taxi or bus will get you there in just 10 minutes. During the summer season, tourist boats plying the Oder also dock at the embankment.

For travelers by car, parking is available at Tadeusza Apolinarego Wendy 14, though keep in mind that paid parking zones may apply in this popular area. Google Maps navigation leads accurately to this point, so it will be hard to get lost.

The history of this unusual object dates back to the mid-1960s. It was then, in the laboratory of the Szczecin enterprise "Gryf", that the recipe for the legendary paprykarz was developed on the initiative of Wojciech Jakacki. The idea was purely practical: to find a way to process fish offcuts. By mixing them with rice, onion, and spices, the technologists created a product that went into mass production in 1967 and instantly became a culinary hit across the country.

The monument itself is a relatively young art installation, appearing in 2020. Its creator was the artist Bogusław Dydek, and the installation was initiated by the company Gryf Nieruchomości, which decided to immortalize the memory of the city's main delicacy. The official opening took place on October 2, 2020, and former employees of the original factory were given the honor of cutting the ribbon.

Interestingly, the fate of the monument was not simple: it was initially installed without all the necessary permits, which led to the temporary dismantling of the can at the end of 2020. However, the love of the townspeople won out, and in the summer of 2021, the installation returned to Gryfitów Square, cementing its status as an official symbol of local identity. Today, it is not just an art object, but a tribute to the city's industrial past and its unique flavor.

To examine the details of the installation and take a series of fun photos, you will need very little time — about 15–30 minutes. The object is compact and accessible for viewing from all sides.

However, we recommend setting aside at least 1–2 hours for a visit to this location. This will allow you to take a leisurely stroll along the renovated Łasztownia boulevards, stop by neighboring galleries, or have a snack in one of the cozy cafes on the riverbank while enjoying the view of the port cranes and the Oder.

Since the monument is an outdoor art installation in an open square, it is available for visiting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can come here both early in the morning and late in the evening when the surrounding embankments are beautifully lit up.

Admission is completely free and does not require tickets. However, before visiting, it is worth checking the official website of the venue to find out if any special events or festivals are being held on Gryfitów Square that day, which might restrict access to the can itself.

The Łasztownia district, where the famous can is installed, is one of the most dynamically developing zones in the city. A walk along the embankment will allow you not only to see the monument but also to enjoy industrial aesthetics mixed with modern design. A visit to this location can easily be combined with exploring other iconic spots located just a few minutes' walk away.