Abruzjusz
Świdnicka 33
Abruzjusz the Skewer Master stands at ul. Swidnicka 33 in Wroclaw, a fragrant little tribute to Italian Abruzzo cuisine and the irresistible art of grilling.
Turn Your Walk Into an Adventure
Wrocław's streets are full of tiny hidden treasures. Every dwarf you discover gets added to your personal Dwarf Trail — a free collection of stamps, stories, and memories from your time in the city.
No rush — collect at your own pace.
No app download · Works on any phone
Story
Abruzjusz — also known as 'Szaszłykarz' (the Skewer Master) — is Wroclaw's most fragrant dwarf. Legend has it that his tiny bronze grill has been sizzling since the moment he was placed on ul. Swidnicka 33, and that passing pigeons have learned to linger nearby, drawn by the irresistible scent of imaginary smoke. Locals say if you rub his skewer before ordering food, your meal will arrive suspiciously fast. No one can prove it, but no one wants to risk skipping the ritual either.
History & Significance
Abruzjusz takes his name from Abruzzo, a rugged and food-proud region in central Italy known for its mountain pastures and the beloved 'arrosticini' — tiny mutton skewers grilled over open embers. The dwarf was placed at ul. Swidnicka 33 in Wroclaw as a nod to the Italian culinary traditions celebrated at the sponsor's location on one of the city's most recognisable streets.
Inspiration
The Abruzzo region of Italy is legendary for 'arrosticini' — thin mutton skewers that have been a shepherd's staple for centuries. By giving the dwarf an Italian regional name, the sponsors connected the figure to a specific culinary heritage, turning a small bronze statue into an edible story about the mountains and pastures of southern Italy transplanted to the heart of Wroclaw.
Fun Facts
- His full nickname 'Szaszłykarz' means 'the skewer man' in Polish — a title he wears with immense bronze pride.
- Abruzzo, the region that inspired his name, is famous for arrosticini: tiny mutton skewers grilled on long, narrow charcoal barbecues called 'fornacelle'.
- Swidnicka Street, where Abruzjusz stands, is one of Wroclaw's oldest and busiest promenades — he has watched thousands of hungry pedestrians walk past every single day.
- Local legend holds that rubbing his tiny skewer brings good luck at lunchtime, though results may vary depending on the restaurant you choose.
- He is one of several food-themed dwarfs scattered along Swidnicka — making the street an unofficial culinary trail through Wroclaw's dwarf universe.
How to Find This Dwarf
Head to ul. Swidnicka and look for number 33 — Abruzjusz crouches close to the building facade, easy to miss if you are rushing. Coming from the main Market Square (Rynek), walk south along Swidnicka for about 5 minutes; number 33 will be on your left-hand side. Look down near the doorstep — he is small but his skewer catches the light beautifully.
Nearby Dwarfs
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Abruzjusz dwarf in Wroclaw?
Abruzjusz stands at ul. Swidnicka 33 in central Wroclaw, close to the pavement near the building entrance. Walk south from the Market Square along Swidnicka for about 5 minutes.
Why is the dwarf called Abruzjusz?
The name comes from Abruzzo, a region in central Italy celebrated for its traditional skewer dish called arrosticini. The dwarf's second nickname, Szaszłykarz (Skewer Master), drives the point home.
Is Abruzjusz one of the original Wroclaw dwarfs?
No — the first five dwarfs were installed in August 2005 by sculptor Tomasz Moczek. Abruzjusz arrived later as part of the ever-growing collection of sponsor-funded figures.
What does the Abruzjusz dwarf look like?
He is a small bronze figure holding or tending to a skewer, reflecting Italian grilling culture. Like all Wroclaw dwarfs he stands roughly 30-40 cm tall.
Accessibility
Wheelchair AccessibleGround LevelOutdoor
Located on a flat pavement along ul. Swidnicka. The surface is even and fully accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
300+ Dwarfs.
One City. Your Trail.
They're hiding on street corners, under bridges, perched on windowsills, crouching by fountains. Every dwarf you discover becomes a stamp on your Dwarf Trail — a free, personal record of your Wrocław adventure.