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7 Extraordinary and symbolic street statues in Europe

The airborne man hanging from the cables, Prague, Czechia. Photo by Nastya Dulhiier

Here's a list of intriguing and unusual statues across European cities that are definitely worth a visit for travelers.

Unusual places and unusual sights – that’s what I love while traveling in any country. It’s the hidden gems, off-the-beaten-path locations, and extraordinary experiences that leave a lasting impression and make each journey unforgettable.

I saw some of these statues during my trips and some of these sights and experiences are still on my bucket list, waiting to be brought to life at the earliest opportunity.

Unusual statues in Europe

Statue of St. Wenceslas Riding a Dead Horse in Prague, Czech Republic

statue of King (and later, Saint) Wenceslas riding a dead horse
Statue of King (and later, Saint) Wenceslas riding a dead horse. Image source: atlasobscura.com

Crafted by Prague-born artist David Černý, renowned for painting a Soviet tank pink as a tribute to the Velvet Revolution, the sculpture features unsettling large-scale installations such as babies crawling up the Prague television tower. It humorously mocks the iconic equestrian statue of King Wenceslas in Wenceslas Square and potentially pokes fun at Czech President Vaclav Klaus, although Černý keeps his intentions ambiguous.

No Internet (Chrome dinosaur) statue in Stepanavan, Armenia

No Internet Chrome T-Rex dinosaur statue in Stepanavan, Armenia.
No Internet Chrome T-Rex dinosaur statue. Photo by Vardan Papikyan.

The Chrome T-Rex Dinosaur statue stands in the lush forests of Stepanavan, located in northern Armenia, renowned for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. This statue represents the essence of enjoying nature in this serene setting, offering a break from the fast-paced world of networks and work, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the surroundings.

The Dinosaur Game, also known as Chrome Dino, is an embedded browser game found in the Google Chrome web browser. Players control a pixelated Tyrannosaurus rex as it navigates a side-scrolling landscape, dodging obstacles to score points. Created by Sebastien Gabriel in 2014, the game is designed to be played when Google Chrome is offline, activated by pressing the space bar. You can find additional details about Chrome Dino’s statue here.

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Budva ballerina statue – goddess of love and loyalty, Montenegro

Ballerina statue in Budva, Montenegro.
Ballerina statue in Budva, Montenegro. Image by Vardan Papikyan.

The Ballerina Statue in Budva, Montenegro, is a captivating masterpiece that captures the elegance and charm of ballet. It has evolved into an adored symbol of the town, drawing visitors from all corners to witness its beauty firsthand. However, what truly adds depth to its allure is the poignant story that inspired its creation, infusing the statue with an emotional resonance that resonates with many who encounter it.

The story behind the Budva Ballerina statue revolves around the tale of a ballerina and a sailor from Budva who shared a love now lost. Each day, she would stand by the shore, gazing out at the waves, yearning for her beloved sailor’s return, hoping against hope that the sea would bring him back to her.

Breastplate in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Breastplate in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Breastplate in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Image by Vardan Papikyan.

The Borstplaat, also known as the Breastplate, is a sculpture that pays homage to Amsterdam’s vibrant sex worker community. Situated near the front door of a church within the renowned Red Light District, this artwork is a striking representation of the district’s cultural significance. Interestingly, the identity of the artist behind this provocative sculpture remains a mystery to the public.

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Merging statues of a man and woman in Batumi, Georgia

Ali and Nino moving statue in Batumi, Georgia.
Ali and Nino moving statue in Batumi, Georgia. Photo by Aleksandr Artiushenko.

Tamar Kvesitadze, a renowned Georgian artist and sculptor, crafted the mesmerizing sculpture named Ali and Nino. These transparent, steel figures stand tall at 8 meters, depicting a man and a woman. In an intriguing spectacle, they move slowly toward each other, passing through one another, and ultimately merge into a singular entity. This captivating transformation occurs every 10 minutes, showcasing the theme of unity and interconnectedness.

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Batumi visitor guide

The Unknown Bureaucrat statue in Reykjavik, Iceland

Monument to the Unknown Bureaucrat
Monument to the Unknown Bureaucrat, Reykjavik, Iceland.

The Monument to the Unknown Bureaucrat stands as an iconic sculpture in Reykjavik, symbolizing the anonymous public sector worker. Crafted from a sizable Icelandic volcanic basalt rock, it conceals the face and body of an office employee, depicted in motion towards the city hall. This artwork serves as a powerful tribute to the countless unrecognized contributions made by individuals within the public sector. See more on this topic >

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Umbrella man hanging from the cables, Prague, Czechia

The airborne man hanging from the cables, Prague, Czechia.
The airborne man hanging from the cables, Prague, Czechia. Photo by Nastya Dulhiier

The polyester sculpture of an airborne man suspended from cables amidst urban buildings is a poignant representation of the challenges faced by the working middle class during economic downturns. Originally part of a larger display, this figure embodies feelings of sadness, despair, and instability, serving as a visual commentary on the struggles experienced by many in society.

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Vardan Papikyan
the authorVardan Papikyan
Contributor
Vardan is a content creator and optimization specialist based in Armenia, Yerevan city. He's contributing with collecting travel stories on Eurodirections.com