The Burghers of Calais, Sculpture in Calais, France
The Burghers of Calais is a bronze group sculpture by Auguste Rodin showing six life-size men on a shared base, each turned in a different direction. They wear plain tunics, have ropes around their necks, and bare feet, marking their role as men surrendering themselves.
The sculpture was commissioned by the city of Calais to honor a moment from the Hundred Years' War, when in 1347 six townspeople offered their lives to spare the city from English troops. Rodin finished the work in 1889, and it was placed in the town square in 1895.
The sculpture stands at ground level in front of Calais city hall, so visitors can walk right up to the figures. This closeness lets you read the face and posture of each of the six men separately, almost as if they were present with you.
The sculpture stands in the square in front of Calais city hall and can be seen at any time without a ticket. Because it is at street level, it is easy to approach from all sides, including for visitors with mobility needs.
Rodin originally wanted the figures placed directly on the ground with no base at all, so that people passing by would feel they were walking among the men. This wish was not fully honored during his lifetime, but some later installations around the world have placed the group at that ground level he intended.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
