About this place
Standing proudly in the center of the Marktplatz, the Roland statue is Bremen's oldest and most beloved symbol of independence. Carved from limestone in 1404, this ten meter giant depicts Roland, the legendary paladin and nephew of Emperor Charlemagne, cast here not as a warrior of song but as a civic protector. His unsheathed sword and eagle emblazoned shield proclaim the city's hard won rights and its liberty from the powerful archbishops who once ruled the region. Locals still say that as long as Roland stands, Bremen will remain free, and in 2004 the statue was recognized alongside the Town Hall as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Key facts
- 1404 year — The stone Roland was raised to replace a wooden predecessor burned down by the prince-archbishop in 1366
- 10.21 meters — Total height with pedestal and canopy, the tallest free-standing statue of the German Middle Ages
- 2004 year — Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Bremen's Town Hall
📍 Am Markt, 28195, Bremen