Equestrian statue of Vercingetorix

This equestrian bronze sculpture portrays a Gallic warrior mounted on a horse in dynamic motion, crafted from bronze and radiating movement. The statue rises on a tall pedestal overlooking the central square, with detailed features of both horse and armed rider.

The work was erected in 1903 and honors a Gallic leader who resisted Roman invasion in ancient times. The choice to commemorate this moment reveals how important this ancient resistance became to French identity in the early 1900s.

The monument occupies a central square in the city and portrays the Gallic leader as people of the 1800s understood him. The depiction with winged helmet and warrior pose reflects how France wished to see its ancient past.

The monument sits in a public square in the city center and is easy to view from various angles. You can visit the location anytime since it remains freely accessible throughout the year without special arrangements.

The face of the depicted leader was modeled after a young emperor, showing how artists of the 1800s reinterpreted history. This blending of ancient and contemporary features remains visible today in how the facial characteristics are shaped.

Location: Clermont-Ferrand

Inception: 1902

Creator: Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi

Made from material: bronze

GPS coordinates: 45.77710,3.08190

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40