Lion spod znaku lwa
Sukiennice 6
Lion spod znaku Lwa rides a bronze lion in the Sukiennice arcade (no. 6) since 2016, funded by Lions Club Wroclaw and Lions Club Dortmund as a monument to charitable spirit.
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
Lion spod znaku Lwa is Wroclaw's most regal dwarf, a fearless rider who has tamed an actual lion and now patrols the Sukiennice arcade mounted on the King of the Jungle's back. He waves cheerfully at passers-by while his magnificent steed sits with the dignified patience of a very tolerant big cat. His name works on two levels: he belongs to the Lions Club (stowarzyszenie Lwow) and he was born under the sign of Leo — so the lion was practically inevitable.
History & Significance
Lion spod znaku Lwa arrived on 18 June 2016 and lives in the Sukiennice arcade at number 6, inside the covered passage running between ul. Sukiennice and Przejscie Zelaznicze at the western edge of the Rynek. He was funded jointly by Lions Club Wroclaw m2m and Lions Club Dortmund Reinoldus — a testament to the international reach of the Lions Club network. The Sukiennice arcade is one of the most charming corners of the old town, home to several other dwarfs and a popular shortcut for tourists.
Inspiration
The Lions Club International is a global charitable organisation, and its Wroclaw chapter commissioned this dwarf as both a mascot and a symbol of the club's values: service, generosity, and community. The double meaning — Leo the zodiac sign and the lion of Lions Club — gave the sculptor a wonderful brief: create a dwarf who genuinely rides a lion. The collaboration with the Dortmund club adds an international, twinning dimension.
Fun Facts
- He is one of the few Wroclaw dwarfs that actually rides another animal — specifically a very calm bronze lion.
- His name is a double pun: he belongs to the Lions Club AND was born under the zodiac sign Leo.
- He was jointly funded by Lions Club Wroclaw m2m and Lions Club Dortmund Reinoldus — a Polish-German charitable partnership.
- The Sukiennice arcade dates back centuries and was historically used for cloth trading — its name literally means 'cloth hall'.
- He arrived on 18 June 2016, in the middle of Wroclaw's year as European Capital of Culture.
How to Find This Dwarf
Enter the Sukiennice from the western side of the Rynek (look for the covered arcade next to the Town Hall). Lion spod znaku Lwa is in the arcade at number 6, midway through the passage. The covered arcade keeps him sheltered in all weather, making him an excellent rainy-day find.
Nearby Dwarfs
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Lion spod znaku Lwa dwarf in Wroclaw?
He sits inside the Sukiennice arcade at number 6, near the western edge of the Rynek. The covered passage connects ul. Sukiennice with Przejscie Zelaznicze.
Why does this dwarf ride a lion?
He was commissioned by the Lions Club Wroclaw, whose symbol is a lion. His name also references the Leo zodiac sign, so riding a lion was the natural creative choice.
Which Lions Clubs funded the dwarf?
He was jointly funded by Lions Club Wroclaw m2m and Lions Club Dortmund Reinoldus, reflecting both local and international charitable collaboration.
Accessibility
Wheelchair AccessibleGround Level
Located inside the Sukiennice covered arcade. The floor is paved and flat; both entrances to the arcade are step-free. Fully accessible for prams 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.