Wieniawek

Story

Wieniawek is a dapper little cavalryman who hides under a traditional Polish military rogatywka cap, proud as a hussar and full of the legendary 'ulanska fantazja' — that swashbuckling spirit of Poland's lancers. He stands in front of the building at ul. Gajowicka 130 (the former Hotel Wieniawa, now Four Points by Sheraton), keeping a watchful eye on guests and passers-by alike. Local dwarf-hunters say that Wieniawek tips his cap to any visitor who greets him correctly — but only if you address him with the proper cavalry salute.

History & Significance

Wieniawek was created to commemorate 25 years of partnership between Wroclaw and its German twin city of Wiesbaden. His name references both the Hotel Wieniawa (at ul. Gajowicka 130, the building he guards) and General Boleslaw Wieniawa-Dlugoszowski, the celebrated First Lancer of the Second Polish Republic — a cavalry officer, poet, and diplomat famed for his flamboyant personality. The sculptor is Beata Zwolanska-Holod, one of Wroclaw's most prolific dwarf artists.

Inspiration

The rogatywka cap — the four-cornered military hat worn by Polish cavalry — is the defining feature of Wieniawek's look, linking him directly to the hussar spirit of General Wieniawa-Dlugoszowski. The general was known not only for his battlefield bravery but also for his wit and love of life, qualities that translate perfectly into the world of bronze dwarfs. The Wroclaw-Wiesbaden partnership that inspired the dwarf began in 1978 and remains one of Wroclaw's most active twin-city relationships.

Fun Facts

• His rogatywka cap is the only clue you need: this little fellow is all about Polish cavalry tradition and the spirit of 'ulanska fantazja'.
• The dwarf's name links two very different 'Wieniawas': a Wroclaw hotel and a flamboyant Polish general who was as famous for writing poetry as for commanding lancers.
• Wieniawek commemorates 25 years of the Wroclaw-Wiesbaden partnership — one of the oldest and most active twin-city relationships in Poland.
• Sculptor Beata Zwolanska-Holod is one of Wroclaw's most prolific dwarf artists, responsible for dozens of figures around the city.
• The building Wieniawek guards — formerly Hotel Wieniawa — reopened as a Four Points by Sheraton; the dwarf was one of the few things that stayed in place during the renovation.

How to Find This Dwarf

Wieniawek lives at ul. Gajowicka 130, on the west side of Wroclaw. Take tram line 9 or 17 to the Gajowicka stop and walk about 200 m south — the hotel building is on your right. Look for the dwarf near the main entrance, where he keeps his eternal cavalry vigil.

Nearby Dwarfs

Frequently Asked Questions

Accessibility

Wheelchair AccessibleGround LevelOutdoor

Flat pavement directly outside the hotel entrance on ul. Gajowicka. No barriers; fully accessible.