Rowerzysta
Świdnicka 8c
Rowerzysta, the cycling dwarf at ul. Swidnicka 8c outside Barbara cultural centre, is Wroclaw's most famous bicycle enthusiast and has a twin in Aarhus, Denmark.
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Story
Rowerzysta is Wroclaw's most well-travelled dwarf - or at least the one with the most well-known twin. This cycling gnome perches outside Barbara cultural centre on ul. Swidnicka 8c, but his identical bronze brother was gifted to the city of Aarhus in Denmark when the Danish delegation visited Wroclaw during its year as European Capital of Culture in 2016. The Wroclaw dwarf stayed behind; the Aarhus twin cycled all the way home.
History & Significance
Rowerzysta appeared outside Barbara (the cultural infopunkt of Wroclaw's European Capital of Culture 2016 programme) after being commissioned by the 'Kocham Wroclaw, wybieram rower' (I love Wroclaw, I choose the bike) campaign. His twin was presented to the city of Aarhus, European Capital of Culture 2017, as a symbol of shared European cultural values. His name was chosen in a public competition.
Inspiration
Wroclaw has over 214 km of cycling lanes and has invested heavily in cycling infrastructure. Barbara, the venue where Rowerzysta stands, was the cultural heart of Wroclaw's ECoC 2016 year - a revived historic bar that had been the meeting point for Orange Alternative protests in the 1980s. Placing a cycling dwarf here connects two of the city's proudest chapters.
Fun Facts
- Rowerzysta has an identical twin in Aarhus, Denmark - gifted there during Wroclaw's European Capital of Culture year in 2016.
- He was commissioned by the cycling campaign 'Kocham Wroclaw, wybieram rower' (I love Wroclaw, I choose the bike).
- The building he stands outside, Barbara, was originally a fast-food bar in 1962 and became famous as a gathering point for 1980s anti-communist happenings.
- Wroclaw has over 214 km of dedicated cycling lanes - one of the largest cycling networks of any city in Poland.
- His name was chosen in a public competition, unusual for a dwarf that arrived without an official title.
How to Find This Dwarf
From the Swidnicka tram stop, walk north along ul. Swidnicka. Barbara is on the left side just before the Swidnickie Passage at number 8c - look for the colourful cultural venue. Rowerzysta sits outside on his bicycle, easy to spot at pavement level.
Nearby Dwarfs
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Rowerzysta dwarf in Wroclaw?
Rowerzysta is located outside Barbara cultural centre at ul. Swidnicka 8c, between the Swidnicka tram stop and the Market Square.
Why does the Rowerzysta dwarf have a twin in Denmark?
During Wroclaw's year as European Capital of Culture 2016, a delegation from Aarhus (ECoC 2017) visited. As a symbol of shared cycling culture and European friendship, Wroclaw gifted them an identical Rowerzysta dwarf.
What is Barbara, the building where Rowerzysta stands?
Barbara is a cultural venue and cafe at ul. Swidnicka 8c that was revived for Wroclaw's ECoC 2016 year. It originally opened as a fast-food bar in 1962 and was a famous gathering spot for anti-communist happenings in the 1980s.
Accessibility
Wheelchair AccessibleGround LevelOutdoor
Situated on the pavement directly outside Barbara cultural centre. Wide, flat pavement along ul. Swidnicka with no barriers.
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