Raftsman Monument

The Toruń Raftsman Monument located on the Old Town Square is not only a decoration and an element of art, but also a symbol of the city referring to the oldest legend associated with Toruń.

The basis for the symbolic figure is a well, on which the figure playing the violin was placed. The well is surrounded by an octagonal frame with eight frogs listening to the concert. From their mouths, streams of water spurt into the basin of the fountain.

The monument, unveiled in 1914, symbolizes the connection of the city with the Vistula, which was a very important trade route, deciding on the flourishing of Toruń. The customs office that existed during the partitions of Poland attracted poor raftsmen sailing goods on the Vistula River, who did not only create a specific community, but also had their own dialect, customs and culture.

The legend associated with the well speaks about the poor raftsman Iwo, who came to Toruń during the great plague of frogs. Raftsman for money played the violin on the Toruń market. The concert lured frogs, and the lighterman brought them out of the city, attracting them with his music. The statue of the raftsman has also become a model for awards given by the President of the City of Toruń in the field of culture and promotion of the city.