This text analyses Italian influence on the developments of Polish national identity in 19th century. In the times when the modern notion of the nation was far from established, the contents of national identities were negotiated in public and media debates. Modern historiography often crosses the boundaries of one nation to look at mutual influences that gave meanings to national identities. This article explores some rhetorical strategies of the nationalistic discourse used by the 'ultramontanie' - one of Polish conservative groups formed in exile. Using the topicality of the Italian movement and also defending the Vatican, this group spelled out the essential elements of the Polish national consciousness. Through a critique of the Italian Risorgimento they constructed a vision of the Polish nation as traditionalist, hostile to revolutionary methods and - above all - firmly catholic.