Collecting adorable dwarfs in Wrocław's Old Town

Wrocław, once part of Germany before World War II, became Polish territory after the war due to territorial agreements. With the Oder River running through it, the city is dotted with numerous islands and connected by bridges, earning it the nickname "Venice of Poland." The main square in the Old Town is surrounded by open-air restaurants, much like other cities' old town areas, and is bustling with people. Although the Old Town isn't very large, you can wander freely towards the banks of the Oder River while searching for the charming dwarf statues hidden in the alleys. Along the way, you can also admire the delightful architecture. The reason behind the dwarf sculptures hidden in the alleys dates back to the 1980s, during a wave of reform against communism and authoritarianism. At that time, a group of students dressed as dwarfs, wearing orange hats, took to the streets to protest. Subsequently, a series of dwarf illustrations and satirical slogans criticizing the authorities began to appear everywhere. The dwarf became a symbol of resistance against tyranny. In 2001, the local government decided to commemorate this "Dwarf Revolution" by placing these adorable dwarf statues throughout the streets, honoring this significant movement in Polish history. Exploring the Old Town to collect dwarf statues is best done in the morning when the streets are quieter and there are fewer tourists, making it easier to spot them. The dwarfs come in all sorts of poses and often interact with nearby shops or their surroundings, making the experience truly enjoyable.