The Zienkowicz monument is the only surviving Polish grave in Caen and the only vestige of the large Polish colony in the town, which already numbered 75 people in 1833.

Antoni Ferdynand Zienkowicz de Bielany, born c.1808 in Słuck, Minsk province, son of Wincenty and Agata, came out of the uprising as a second lieutenant in the Nadwiślańska Legion. He stayed in France since 1832 in the Bourges establishment. After the abolition of the establishment, he was sent to the Manche dapartment in November 1833. He settled in Bayeux (Calvados), where he found employment in a credit bank. By marrying Hyacinthe Le François, he entered the circle of the local bourgeoisie. He had 5 children. Two sons, Albert and Boleslas, were professionally successful: the first as an inspector at the great insurance company La National in Paris, and the second became director of a gasworks in Caen. Zienkowicz died in Caen on 3.06.1886 and was buried in the Vaucelle cemetery.

The site has both historical value (linked to 19th century Polish history) and symbolic value. It represents a lasting trace of the presence and activities of Poles in France.

The conservation work was carried out between 2021 and 2022, subsidised by the Polonics Institute.