Szermierz

Story

Szermierz (the Fencer) lives in the shadow of his much taller namesake: the famous 1904 bronze Fencer fountain at the centre of plac Uniwersytecki. By day he stands guard at the university passageway, watching generations of students shuffle nervously past on their way to exams. By night, legend says, the tiny dwarf gives the giant fountain Fencer fencing lessons — which explains why, despite the fountain's sword being stolen dozens of times over the centuries, it always seems to find its way back.

History & Significance

Szermierz was one of the original five dwarfs installed by sculptor Tomasz Moczek in August 2005, making him a founding member of the modern dwarf tradition. He originally stood in the Brama Cesarska (Imperial Gate) of the main university building but after repeated theft incidents was relocated a few metres away to a display board. He stands near the famous Fechterbrunnen (Fencer Fountain), designed by Hugo Lederer and installed in 1904 — one of Wroclaw's most enduring Art Nouveau monuments.

Inspiration

Plac Uniwersytecki is the academic heart of Wroclaw's Old Town, dominated by the neo-Baroque main building of the University of Wroclaw. The Fencer Fountain at its centre has been a student landmark for over 120 years — students historically washed the statue to mark the end of the academic year, and the sword has been stolen so many times it has been replaced many dozens of times. The tiny dwarf Szermierz plays homage to this entire tradition, adding a touch of whimsy to a corner already steeped in stories.

Fun Facts

• As one of the first five dwarfs ever placed in Wroclaw, Szermierz is a true founding member of the city's dwarf tradition.
• He originally stood inside the Imperial Gate of the main university building but was moved after being repeatedly stolen.
• His neighbour, the Fechterbrunnen fountain, has had its bronze sword stolen and replaced so many times that no official count exists — but estimates run into the dozens.
• The fountain he stands near celebrated its 120th anniversary in November 2024, making Szermierz the younger — but still respectable — occupant of the square.
• University of Wroclaw publications have featured the Fencer's image on their covers since before World War II, giving this corner a remarkable continuity of identity.

How to Find This Dwarf

Head to plac Uniwersytecki — the large square just south-west of the Rynek, dominated by the grand neo-Baroque University of Wroclaw building. The Fencer Fountain is in the middle of the square; Szermierz is near the university building's arcade passage, close to an information board. From the Rynek, it is a short 3-4 minute walk west.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Accessibility

Wheelchair AccessibleGround LevelOutdoor

Located on the cobblestone surface near the university arcade on plac Uniwersytecki. The square has uneven cobblestones but there are no steps to reach the dwarf.