The Naked Swordsman

The University of Wrocław presents plenty of superb photographic opportunities, but the most popular has to be the naked swordsman proudly exhibiting himself at the entrance of the main building. The work of Hugo Lederer, the splendidly anatomical sculpture was erected in 1904 and prompted complaints from parish priests that students would be morally corrupted by the statue's naked form. Early grumblings were countered by the legend that the statue represents an extravagant gambler who squandered all but his sword in drunken card games - thus serving as an example to the university’s 30,000+ students. Town mayor George Bender agreed and the statue has stood ever since.