Cumil Statue, Bratislava (must see)

The Čumil Statue in Bratislava is a quirky bronze sculpture crafted by Viktor Hulík. Located at the crossroads of Panská and Rybárska Brána streets near the Main Square, this statue doesn’t depict any real person but comes from Hulík’s creative vision. It shows Čumil, a figure taking a break and peeking out from a manhole, watching people go by and seemingly enjoying the view of young women.

Kids particularly love this statue because they get to touch Čumil’s head and sit on the statue, making it more engaging. Yet, its placement has caused several accidents with passing vehicles bumping into it. To address this, a sign reading "Man at Work" has been placed beside the statue to alert drivers and add a touch of humor for tourists taking pictures.

Čumil is a popular spot for photos in Bratislava, drawing many tourists. Locals have come up with various fun and symbolic stories about why Čumil is there, ranging from jokes about him being nosy to deeper meanings depicting him as a typical Slovak worker. These stories and the statue’s playful nature spark lively conversations among visitors and locals alike.

Even though Čumil is now protected from traffic by a sign, he still faces the wear and tear of being a beloved interactive landmark. There’s even a light-hearted warning for women about mythical risks involving storks. More than just a piece of art, Čumil helps weave the rich cultural stories and legends of Bratislava.