Raciworek

Story

Raciworek stands on the Złotnicka footbridge (kładka Złotnicka) in Leśnica, bent over his work: he is filling sandbags. Look closely and you will see a grumpy, determined face under a floppy cap, a bushy beard and eyes that glint purple. He is not here for fun. He is a little bronze neighbour who rolled up his sleeves when the Bystrzyca river rose, and he is still on shift. Stop beside him, say thank you, and take in the green railings of the bridge behind him.

History & Significance

Raciworek was unveiled on 6 April 2025 at the Złotnicka footbridge, on the border of the Leśnica and Złotniki districts. The city of Wrocław reported that the unveiling brought together families and residents of both districts, many of whom had taken part in defending the area during the September 2024 flood. The city's article says the statue was financed by the Wrocław municipality and does not name a sculptor; the wromap.pl site lists Beata Zwolańska-Hołod as the author. Like all of the city's bronze dwarfs, he belongs to a tradition that began with the Orange Alternative, a playful 1980s protest movement whose members painted dwarfs on walls; since 2005 the city has filled its streets with bronze dwarfs.

Inspiration

Raciworek is a monument to flood solidarity. According to the city of Wrocław, he commemorates the courage and determination of the people who worked together to save the city in September 2024, when around two million sandbags were used during the flood response. His name combines Racibórz Dolny, the dry reservoir that helped protect Wrocław, with worek, the Polish word for a sack or bag. At the unveiling, one resident said the most wonderful thing in those days was that people from Leśnica and Złotniki worked together as one community.

Fun Facts

• His name joins Racibórz Dolny, the flood reservoir, with worek, the Polish word for a sack.
• He was unveiled on 6 April 2025, only about seven months after the September 2024 flood.
• The city says around two million sandbags were used during the flood response in Wrocław.
• The unveiling was a neighbourhood party with miniature dwarf replicas, grilled food and a stand from the city's water utility.
• In the photo his eyes are painted purple, which makes his stern face easy to recognise.

How to Find This Dwarf

Look for the Złotnicka footbridge (kładka Złotnicka) on the border of Leśnica and Złotniki. Raciworek stands on the footbridge itself, at deck level, so walk onto the bridge and look down at the walkway beside the railing. The bridge has green railings. The address in our database is just 'Leśnica', and wromap.pl gives 'kładka Złotnicka, 54-029 Wrocław', so use the bridge, not a street number, as your target. The nearest dwarf, Góral, is about 680 m to the east-north-east.

Nearby Dwarfs

Frequently Asked Questions

Accessibility

Ground LevelOutdoor

Stands on the paved walkway of a footbridge, which appears to be smooth asphalt or concrete in the photo, without cobblestones. We have not confirmed ramps or the approach to the bridge, so check access if you use a wheelchair or pushchair.