Bremen Roland — Attraction in Bremen

The Bremen Roland statue is one of the most iconic landmarks in Germany, standing proudly in the Market Square (Marktplatz) of Bremen. Erected in 1404, it symbolizes the city’s historical liberties, market rights, and civic freedom. The statue honors Roland, a legendary paladin associated with Charlemagne, and has become a powerful symbol of Bremen’s autonomy, resilience, and pride over the centuries. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the adjacent Town Hall in 2004, the statue holds a central place in both Bremen’s identity and its rich cultural heritage.

Historical and Symbolic Significance Roland statues appeared across the former Holy Roman Empire as emblems of municipal rights granted by imperial authority. The Bremen Roland is the oldest and arguably the most magnificent example of these. Standing 5.47 meters tall (reaching 10.21 meters including its base and canopy), it depicts Roland as a noble protector with his legendary sword Durendal unsheathed and his shield adorned with the double-headed Imperial eagle. The statue confronts the cathedral across the square, metaphorically defending the city’s independence from ecclesiastical and feudal powers.

The inscription on Roland’s shield translates as: “Freedom I do manifest to you / which Karl and many noblemen indeed / have given to this place. / For this thank God, that is my advice.” This powerful declaration resonates with the values of civic autonomy, underscoring Bremen’s status as a free imperial city celebrated throughout its history.

According to local legend, as long as Roland stands watch over Bremen, the city will remain free and independent. This gave rise to the tale that a backup Roland statue is secretly kept in the town hall's vaults should the original ever fall. The statue’s prominence and longevity have made it a revered symbol of Bremen’s past and present.

Visitor Experience The Bremen Roland is a must-see stop for visitors to Bremen, capturing attention not only for its sheer size and craftsmanship but also for its symbolic role in European history. The statue’s striking detail—especially the pointed knees visitors often touch for luck or photo opportunities—and the grand canopy above it make it an imposing and memorable figure.

The Market Square surrounding Roland is equally charming, with picturesque cobblestone streets, historic merchants’ guildhouses, and lively markets providing a perfect historic setting. Guided tours often include Bremen Roland as a centerpiece, sharing stories of Bremen’s Hanseatic League heritage and medieval privileges. Visitors frequently combine their visit with stops at nearby landmarks such as the Town Hall, Bremen Cathedral, and the statue of the Bremen Town Musicians.

Architectural and Cultural Context Roland’s significance is enhanced by its placement next to Bremen Town Hall, itself an architectural gem of Weser Renaissance design and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Together, the statue and town hall celebrate the city’s proud history of self-governance and mercantile independence. The market square functions as a lively social and cultural space where residents and tourists alike gather for festivals, events, and...

In the heart of Bremen’s Marktplatz, standing tall and proud, is a stone figure who has watched over the city for centuries: Roland. At first glance, he might seem like just another medieval knight carved in stone—but look closer, and you’ll discover that Roland is one of the most powerful symbols of freedom and civic pride in all of Europe.

The current statue was erected in 1404, replacing an earlier wooden version that had been destroyed by the Archbishop of Bremen. That act alone says a lot—because Roland is not just any knight. He is a legendary figure from the court of Charlemagne, a symbol of justice and protector of the city’s independence. In medieval times, placing his statue in front of the town hall was a bold statement: “We govern ourselves here.”

Roland’s presence declared that Bremen was a free imperial city, with rights granted directly from the Holy Roman Emperor, not subject to local lords or the church. He holds a sword (Durendal) and a shield bearing the imperial eagle, affirming those freedoms. Some say his slightly open mouth symbolizes free speech, and that as long as Roland stands, Bremen will remain free. That belief was so strong that during World War II, a wooden replica was made and hidden to protect the original from destruction.

The statue stands over 5.5 meters tall, making it one of the largest surviving Roland statues in Germany. And unlike many monuments, this one isn’t just historical—it’s deeply symbolic. Roland is the silent guardian of Bremen’s identity: not just a knight, but a timeless voice of resistance, autonomy, and justice.

In short, visiting Bremen without standing before Roland is like visiting Paris and skipping the Eiffel Tower. He’s not just carved in stone—he’s carved into the spirit of the...

A big statement of freedom! Since 1404, this 5.47-metre giant (10.21 metres including pedestal and canopy) has stood on Bremen's Marktplatz and symbolises the city's freedom within the Holy Roman Empire. The first Roland statue was made of wood and is said to have been knocked down and burned by soldiers of Bremen's Archbishop Albert of Brunswick-Lüneburg in the night of 28 to 29 May 1366. In 1404, stonemasons Claws Zeelleyher and Jacob Olde were commissioned to create a new, stone Roland statue. A Roland statue is in itself a symbol of urban freedom; in Bremen, the large shield on the shoulder once again indicates that the city's citizens enjoy imperial privileges. Some more facts: the Roland of Bremen is the largest free-standing medieval statue in Germany, the distance between the statue's knees is one Bremen ell (exactly 55.372 cm), and according to legend, the cripple between the feet crawled around a piece of land in 1032 that was then donated to the city as Bürgerweide by Countess Emma of Lesum. In 2004, exactly 600 years after its placement on the market square, the Roland (together with the "Bremer Rathaus") was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. A nice tribute to this...