1 Like
Wikipedia: The Bremen Roland is a statue (Rathausplatz) of the city's protector, Roland, erected in 1404, which stands in the market square of Bremen, facing the cathedral. Charlemagne's knight Roland bears Durendart, the "sword of justice" and a shield decorated with the two-headed imperial eagle. Statues of Roland appear in numerous cities of the former Holy Roman Empire, as emblems of city liberties, Stadtrechte.
The standing figure in limestone from Elm was commissioned to replace the wooden one burnt in 1366 by Prince-Archbishop Albert II. It confronts the church as a representation of city rights opposed to the territorial claims of the prince-archbishop.
During summer 2009 heavy restoration at the several buildings around market square are ongoing.
...
Bremen Market Square is regarded as one of the most beautiful Market Squares in Germany. Roland and Town hall are belonging to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.