What does one do in Wrocław on a cold and rainy All Saints Day when nearly everything is closed? Why search for gnomes, of course! They aren’t hard to find once you get the hang of it, even easier today in the deserted square.
Town Square was empty except for the gnomes
Gnomes have been mascots of Wrocław (pronounced “vro-walve” – the funny-looking “ł” sounds like “w”) since the 80s when they were symbols of the 'Orange Alternative' – an underground protest movement that used absurdity and nonsense to stage peaceful, yet subversive, protests.
Rolling Gnomes in the Rain
Thirty-two bronze gnomes were installed by the City Council and they became so popular that local businesses began commissioning local artists to produce more. Most have unpronounceable names but you can call them what you want, like the “Ice Cream Gnome” and “Pizza Hut Gnome.”
Well-fed gnome outside Pizza Hut
Some of the original gnomes began to “wander,” aided by emboldened collectors. Now each new gnome has a GPS device imbedded inside. Today there are around 180 of the little guys. We found only about 35, my favorite, understandably, is “Aleck the Traveler.”
