Passauer Tölpel

The Passauer Tölpel is a stone sculpture of a large head with short hair, wide eyes, and thick smiling lips mounted on a wall near St. Stephen's Cathedral. The work displays realistic facial features and appears almost lifelike despite its solid stone construction in its current location.

The head originally came from a cathedral decoration that fell during a major city fire in 1662 and was possibly damaged by musket fire on Corpus Christi Day. Later, a priest connected this name to the city's inhabitants after observing their particular habits and characteristics.

The sculpture carries a name that has been linked to the city since the 17th century, rooted in local tradition and how people view themselves. Today it serves as a familiar symbol that visitors encounter when exploring Passau's character and past.

The sculpture is easy to find at the corner of Steinweg and Domplatz, where it has been mounted on a public building wall since 2003. It sits close to the cathedral, so a visit fits naturally with exploring the cathedral square and its surroundings.

According to local legend, the head lost its body but kept its broad smile, captured in a verse that playfully suggests a certain weakness in the mind. This humorous tale transforms the work from a mere artifact into a cherished piece of city folklore.

Location: Passau

Made from material: stone

GPS coordinates: 48.57491,13.46512

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:04