Rajca II

Story

Rajca II greets the Rynek with one hand raised in an open wave, a pointed cap on his head and a full beard on his chest. A sash crosses his front, like the ones councillors wear at ceremonies. He waits by the Town Hall entrance, where Wrocław's councillors come and go, and he looks like he would happily shake hands with every visitor. Wave back: he has the best view of the Town Hall's comings and goings.

History & Significance

The city of Wrocław reported that Krasnal Rajcuś was unveiled on 2 December 2022 at the Sukiennice by the Town Hall entrance, during a convention of city council chairpersons. The article says his sash resembles those worn by councillors at ceremonies, his face resembles councillor Bohdan Aniszczyk, who has been elected continuously since 1990, and that he is a replica of a dwarf in the foyer of the council's session hall. Council chairman Sergiusz Kmiecik said he stands for the community of Wrocław councillors and their accessibility to residents. Wromap.pl lists 'Rajcuś (Rajca)' at Sukiennice 9a by Beata Zwolańska-Hołod. The app lists this dwarf as 'Rajca II', and none of the sources explains the 'II', so treat the match as likely rather than certain. The tradition behind Wrocław's dwarfs began with the Orange Alternative, a playful protest movement of the 1980s whose members painted dwarfs on city walls; since 2005 the city has filled its streets with bronze dwarfs, and there are now hundreds of them.

Inspiration

Rajca II celebrates the 'rajcy', the old Polish word for town councillors. According to the city, the figure represents the local-government community of Wrocław councillors, and its sash and the face modelled on a long-serving councillor make that link clear.

Fun Facts

• 'Rajca' is an old Polish word for a town councillor.
• The city says his face resembles councillor Bohdan Aniszczyk, elected continuously since 1990.
• He wears a sash like the ones councillors wear at official ceremonies.
• The Town Hall dwarf is described as a replica of a dwarf in the foyer of the council's session hall.
• He was unveiled on 2 December 2022, during a convention of city council chairpersons.

How to Find This Dwarf

Rajca II stands at the Town Hall entrance, at Sukiennice 9a, at pavement level on the Market Square. Wiesiek Partnerski is just 6 m north, Gołębnik is 7 m southwest and Stanisław Wolski is 18 m west, so you can meet a whole group of dwarfs without moving far.

Nearby Dwarfs

Frequently Asked Questions

Accessibility

Ground LevelOutdoor

Pavement level on the Market Square, no steps. The Rynek is cobbled, which can be bumpy for wheelchairs and pushchairs, and the entrance area can be busy.