Bremen Roland
Bremen
The Bremen Roland is a monumental limestone statue erected in 1404, located in the historic market square (Rathausplatz) of Bremen, Germany. It depicts Roland, a paladin of Charlemagne and legendary hero, symbolizing the city's rights and freedoms. The statue stands 5.47 meters tall on a 60 cm pedestal, with a total height including its supporting column and Gothic baldachin reaching 10.21 meters, making it the largest free-standing medieval statue in Germany. Roland is portrayed as the protector of the city, holding an unsheathed sword named Durendal and a shield bearing the imperial double-headed eagle, representing Bremen's claim to imperial freedom. The inscription on the shield proclaims the city's liberty granted by Emperor Charlemagne and other princes. This statue replaced an earlier wooden Roland destroyed in 1366 and confronts the nearby cathedral, symbolizing the city's autonomy against ecclesiastical authority. Since 1973, it has been protected by monument laws and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 along with Bremen's Town Hall for its architectural and symbolic significance. The statue has undergone several restorations, including a notable one in 1939 and another in the 1980s, preserving its historical and cultural value. It remains a powerful emblem of civic pride and freedom in Bremen.
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Tip: Visit the Bremen Roland during weekdays in the morning or early afternoon to avoid crowds. Tickets are not required as it is an open-air monument. Consider combining your visit with the nearby UNESCO-listed Town Hall and Bremen Cathedral. No advance booking is necessary. Check local opening hours for guided tours of the Town Hall to enrich your experience. Discounts may be available for groups or cultural passes in Bremen.
Interesting facts
- •The Bremen Roland is the oldest surviving stone Roland statue in Germany and the largest free-standing medieval statue in the country.
- •Its sword, Durendal, is legendary in chivalric tales and symbolizes the city's judicial authority rather than knightly status.
- •The inscription on the shield dates back to around 1512 and proclaims the city's freedom granted by Emperor Charlemagne and other princes.
- •A local legend claims Bremen will remain free as long as the Roland statue stands, and a hidden backup statue is said to be kept in the Town Hall vaults.
- •The statue faces the cathedral, symbolizing the city's secular rights in contrast to ecclesiastical power.
History
Originally, a wooden statue of Roland stood on the site but was destroyed by forces of Prince-Archbishop Albert II in 1366.
The current limestone statue was commissioned by Bremen's city council and erected in 1404, predating the construction of the adjacent Town Hall.
Throughout centuries, it has symbolized the city's liberties and independence within the Holy Roman Empire.
The statue faced threats during the French occupation in the early 19th century but was preserved.
Major restorations occurred in 1939 to prevent collapse and in the 1980s when the original head was replaced with a replica, the original now displayed in the Focke Museum.
In 2004, the statue and the Town Hall were jointly designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their outstanding cultural and historical importance.
Place Guide
Roland Statue1404
The central feature of the market square, this limestone statue depicts Roland in full armor holding his unsheathed sword Durendal and a shield with the imperial eagle, symbolizing Bremen's freedoms and judicial rights.
Supporting Column and Baldachin1404
A Gothic-style ornamental column supports the statue from behind, topped by a decorative baldachin, enhancing the monument's height and medieval architectural character.
Inscription on Shieldcirca 1512 (renewed)
The shield bears a Gothic inscription in Low German proclaiming the city's freedom granted by Emperor Charlemagne and other princes, reinforcing the statue's symbolism as protector of civic liberties.
Contact
Phone: 0421 3080010
