Magdeburger Roland, Roland statue in Old Market Square, Magdeburg, Germany.
The Magdeburger Roland is a sandstone figure depicting a knight with a drawn sword that stands in the Old Market Square in front of City Hall. The statue rises approximately five meters high and symbolizes municipal freedom and independence.
The first documented Roland in Magdeburg was erected in 1419 as an expression of medieval urban autonomy. The current version was installed in 2005 after several predecessors were destroyed during major historical events.
The Roland displays a relief of Till Eulenspiegel, a folk hero from German tradition, carved into its back. This connection links the statue to local storytelling and makes it a symbol of regional identity today.
The monument stands freely accessible in the Old Market Square and can be viewed from all sides. The plaza features wide, level pathways that make for comfortable visits.
According to local belief, the city will maintain its independence as long as the Roland remains standing. This superstition ties the stone monument to the fate of the city in the minds of residents.
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