Motocyklista
Szewska 10
Motocyklista (known as 'Wentyl') sits on his tiny motorcycle in front of St Mary Magdalene's Church at ul. Szewska 10, waving with one hand while steering with the other — Wroclaw's coolest biker dwarf since 2010.
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
Motocyklista — nicknamed 'Wentyl' (the Valve) by locals — is Wroclaw's resident road rebel, perched in front of the Church of St Mary Magdalene on ul. Szewska 10. He sits astride his miniature motorcycle, steering with one hand and throwing a casual wave to passersby with the other. Rumour has it he's always just returning from some wild rock concert in a dingy back-street pub — his long beard and biker posture say it all. Even on the coldest winter days, rain or shine, Wentyl never abandons his post.
History & Significance
Motocyklista was designed by sculptor Matylda Mika and unveiled on 16 May 2010. He stands directly at the entrance to the Gothic Church of St Mary Magdalene, one of the oldest churches in Wroclaw dating back to the 13th century. His placement near a medieval church creates an amusing contrast that locals have grown to love.
Inspiration
The dwarf was placed in front of St Mary Magdalene's Church to add a playful, modern spirit to one of Wroclaw's most historic streets. Ul. Szewska (Cobbler's Street) was historically home to shoemakers and craftsmen — a working-class neighbourhood far from the city's formal grandeur. Wentyl fits right in: a free-spirited biker who answers to no one, embodying the irreverent character of the Orange Alternative movement that gave birth to Wroclaw's dwarf tradition.
Fun Facts
- His nickname 'Wentyl' (Valve) is a local invention — nobody officially named him that, but it stuck so well that even tourist maps use it.
- Motocyklista was created by sculptor Matylda Mika and installed on 16 May 2010.
- He steers his motorbike one-handed while waving with the other, suggesting he is always in a hurry to get somewhere exciting.
- The Church of St Mary Magdalene behind him dates to the 13th century — making Wentyl one of Wroclaw's youngest residents next to one of its oldest buildings.
- According to local legend, he regularly parks here only to race off to underground rock concerts as soon as nobody is watching.
How to Find This Dwarf
Head to ul. Szewska and look for the Gothic twin towers of St Mary Magdalene's Church — Motocyklista sits right at the church entrance at number 10. From the Market Square, walk south down ul. Swidnicka and turn right onto ul. Szewska; it's about a 3-minute walk. He's easy to spot at pavement level, just to the side of the main church door.
Nearby Dwarfs
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Motocyklista dwarf in Wroclaw?
Motocyklista (also called Wentyl) stands at ul. Szewska 10, right in front of the Church of St Mary Magdalene in the Old Town. He's easy to find on foot from the Market Square.
Who made the Motocyklista dwarf?
He was created by sculptor Matylda Mika and installed on 16 May 2010.
Why is Motocyklista called Wentyl?
Wentyl means 'valve' in Polish — a playful nickname invented by locals that references both mechanics and his biker personality. The name caught on and is now widely used on tourist maps.
Accessibility
Wheelchair AccessibleGround LevelOutdoor
Located on a flat pavement directly at the church entrance on ul. Szewska. No steps or barriers; fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
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.