Ursus

Story

Ursus stands proudly before the entrance to the Ursuline convent and school at pl. Nankiera 16, wearing a neat school collar and holding the Serviam coat of arms in his right hand and a quill pen in his left. This studious dwarf looks like the most diligent pupil in all of Wroclaw, always ready to take notes or write an essay. Whispers among the dwarfs say that Ursus stays up late every night studying by candlelight and has read every book in the school library twice. If you look closely, you might notice his tiny bronze shoes are polished to perfection — a true model student.

History & Significance

Ursus was placed in front of the Ursuline Sisters' convent and liceum at pl. Nankiera 16 in Wroclaw's Old Town. He was commissioned by the Ursuline order to celebrate the school's educational mission and long history in the city. His name is a direct reference to the Ursulines (from the Latin 'ursus' meaning 'bear'), who have been educating young women in Wroclaw for generations. The dwarf proudly wears a school collar typical of the Ursuline uniform and carries the order's Serviam ('I will serve') coat of arms, reflecting the community's motto of service through education.

Inspiration

The Ursuline Sisters (Zakon sw. Urszuli) are a Roman Catholic religious order founded in 1535 by St. Angela Merici in Brescia, Italy, devoted primarily to the education of girls and young women. The Wroclaw Ursuline community operates a convent and liceum at pl. Nankiera 16, continuing centuries of educational tradition. The name 'Ursuline' derives from their patron saint, St. Ursula, and the Latin word 'ursus' (bear). Ursus the dwarf cleverly plays on this double meaning — he is both a devoted student and a little bear of learning.

Fun Facts

• His name plays on 'ursus' (Latin for bear), connecting him to both the Ursuline order and their patron St. Ursula.
• He holds the Serviam coat of arms — the motto of the Ursuline Sisters meaning 'I will serve'.
• The school collar he wears is modelled on the traditional Ursuline student uniform.
• Located right in the Old Town, he is one of the most accessible dwarfs for visitors exploring the historic centre.
• The Ursuline order was founded in 1535 in Italy and has been educating girls in Wroclaw for generations.

How to Find This Dwarf

From the Market Square, walk north-east along ul. Wita Stwosza toward the university campus. Turn left onto ul. Nankiera — the Ursuline convent and school is at pl. Nankiera 16. Ursus stands right at the entrance. The walk takes about 10 minutes from the Rynek. Alternatively, the Ukrainian Consulate at pl. Nankiera 7 makes a useful landmark nearby.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Accessibility

Wheelchair AccessibleGround LevelOutdoor

Located on pavement in front of the convent entrance. The area around pl. Nankiera has cobblestone surfaces typical of the Old Town, which may be uneven in places.