Roszek
Norwida 31
Roszek, the vet dwarf at ul. Norwida 29, was born at a national veterinary congress in 2013 and unveiled in 2014 — Wroclaw's champion dwarf, named after Saint Roch, examining a faithful dog in a white coat and clogs.
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Story
Roszek is Wroclaw's most celebrated veterinary dwarf, standing guard at the main entrance to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at ul. Norwida 29. Dressed in a white medical coat with clogs on his feet, a laryngoscopy mirror tipped up on his pointed cap, and 'Roszek Lekarz Weterynarii 2014' embroidered on his sleeve, he carefully examines a faithful dog companion. He was born, officially, at the 10th National Congress of Veterinary Physicians in Wroclaw on 23 June 2013.
History & Significance
Roszek was unveiled on 6 December 2014, commissioned by the Council of the National Chamber of Veterinary Physicians to mark the 70th anniversary of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences. The idea came from veterinarian Maria Tonder of Wegorzewo, who proposed that the entire veterinary profession contribute to funding the dwarf. Sculptor Tomasz Moczek created him, and the pedestal was funded by Dean Professor Krzysztof Kubiak. In 2016, Roszek won a public vote in 'Gazeta Wroclawska' to become the most important dwarf in Wroclaw and was placed on the most expensive square in the Wroclaw edition of Monopoly Junior.
Inspiration
The name 'Roszek' is a diminutive of 'Roch' — Saint Roch, patron saint of veterinary physicians. Saint Roch, born in 14th-century France, sold his inheritance and went on pilgrimage to Rome, caring for plague victims along the way. He is the patron of animals, cattle, and dogs. The dog accompanying Roszek symbolises the eternal bond between humans and their four-legged companions, while the examination gesture — checking lymph nodes and throat — honours the real work of a vet who protects both animal and human health.
Fun Facts
- He won a public vote in 'Gazeta Wroclawska' with nearly 10,000 votes, making him the 'most important dwarf in Wroclaw' — and earning him the most expensive square on the city's Monopoly Junior board.
- His name 'Roszek' is a diminutive of 'Roch' — Saint Roch, patron saint of veterinary physicians, who lived in 14th-century France.
- He was 'born' at the 10th National Congress of Veterinary Physicians in Wroclaw on 23 June 2013, but unveiled on 6 December 2014.
- The dog he examines symbolises the lifelong friendship between humans and dogs — a particularly important theme for a vet faculty.
- He has a laryngoscopy mirror flipped up on his pointy cap, a detail beloved by veterinary students who pass him every day.
How to Find This Dwarf
Take tram line 9 or 31 to the pl. Grunwaldzki stop, then walk east along ul. Norwida to number 29, the main building of the Veterinary Faculty at Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences. Roszek stands right at the main entrance. The surrounding university district has many cafes and is pleasant for a stroll.
Nearby Dwarfs
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Roszek dwarf in Wroclaw?
Roszek stands at the main entrance to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at ul. Norwida 29, near pl. Grunwaldzki, at Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences.
Why is the dwarf called Roszek?
The name is a diminutive of 'Roch', referring to Saint Roch — the patron saint of veterinary physicians. The naming was decided by the National Chamber of Veterinary Physicians.
What is special about Roszek compared to other Wroclaw dwarfs?
He won a public vote to become the 'most important dwarf in Wroclaw' in 2016, was placed on the most expensive square in the local Monopoly Junior edition, and is one of very few dwarfs commissioned collectively by an entire professional association.
Accessibility
Wheelchair AccessibleGround LevelOutdoor
Flat paved area at the university faculty entrance. Fully accessible for all visitors.
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