Bremen Roland Statue | Bremen

Information

Landmark: Bremen Roland Statue
City: Bremen
Country: Germany
Continent: Europe

Bremen Roland Statue, Bremen, Germany, Europe

Bremen Roland is a monumental stone statue on the Market Square, serving as a symbol of civic liberty and freedom. Along with the Town Hall, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visual Characteristics

The statue stands 5.47 meters tall (reaching 10.21 meters including the supporting column and canopy). It is carved from limestone and depicts a knight of the Holy Roman Empire. Roland holds a drawn sword (Durendal) and a shield emblazoned with the Imperial Eagle. Between his feet lies a crippled figure, and at his belt, he wears a tassel representing a yard measurement.

Location & Access Logistics

Located at Am Markt, 28195 Bremen, positioned between the Town Hall and the Schütting.

Public Transit: Tram lines 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 to Domsheide or Obernstraße.

Access: Open public space; accessible 24/7.

Admission: Free.

Parking: Use "Parkhaus Mitte" or "Parkhaus Pressehaus."

Historical Origin

The current stone statue was erected in 1404, replacing an earlier wooden version burned by the archbishop’s soldiers. It was built by the citizens of Bremen to assert their independence from the church. During WWII, the statue was encased in a protective brick wall, which saved it from the surrounding aerial destruction. It underwent a major restoration in 1989.

Key Highlights & Activities

Symbol of Freedom: The inscription on the shield states that Roland has brought the city freedom, granted by Charlemagne.

The "Bremen Ell": The distance between the statue's knees is exactly one "Bremen Ell" (approx. 55 cm), used historically as a standard measure for local merchants.

The Cripple: The small figure at Roland's feet refers to a 1032 legend involving Countess Emma and the expansion of the city's pasture lands.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The statue is located in a flat, pedestrianized cobblestone square. It is fully wheelchair accessible. 5G signal is robust.

Best Time to Visit

Night: The statue is illuminated, offering better photographic opportunities without the daytime market crowds.

July 2: Historically the day of its unveiling in 1404; often marked by local observances.

Facts & Legends

A technical oddity is that the statue is not made of a single stone block; its core is a supporting column that stabilizes the massive weight of the sculpture. Legend states that as long as the Roland stands and watches over the square, Bremen will remain free and independent. Locals joke that a second "spare" Roland is hidden in the Town Hall basement in case the original is ever lost.