Warsaw Mermaid, Bronze statue in Old Town Market Square, Warsaw, Poland
The Warsaw Mermaid is a bronze sculpture positioned in the center of Old Town Market Square, armed with a sword and shield for protection. The figure commands attention through its detailed craftsmanship and stands as a focal point where the square's historic buildings form a backdrop.
Created by sculptor Konstanty Hegel in 1855, the figure replaced an earlier dragon symbol in Warsaw's official imagery. This shift reflected the city's desire to adopt a more compassionate guardian figure that better represented its character.
The figure represents Warsaw's protective spirit and appears throughout the city on flags, emblems, and in local stories passed down through generations. People recognize her as a guardian symbol that connects residents to their city's past and identity.
The square is easily accessible and surrounded by cafes and restaurants where visitors can rest while exploring. The statue itself is freely accessible at any time, though visiting early in the morning avoids larger crowds.
The original sculpture was damaged during wartime destruction and the current version was reconstructed in the 1950s with new casting techniques. This restoration demonstrates how artisans rebuilt Warsaw's lost heritage after the city's devastation.
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