The Pillory (Pręgierz)
Monument in Wrocław
Standing at the corner of Wrocław’s Market Square (Rynek), near the Town Hall, the Pręgierz is a stone pillar once used for public punishment during the Middle Ages and early modern times. Dating back to the 15th century, this Gothic column served as a pillory, where criminals and offenders were publicly humiliated—tied to the post, often in stocks, and subjected to mockery or even beatings from townspeople.
The sculpted figure atop the pillar represents a medieval executioner, wearing a pointed hat and holding a sword—a reminder of the city’s harsh judicial practices. The Pręgierz was used to punish thieves, fraudsters, and those who broke civic laws, offering a dramatic display of justice in the heart of the city. Today, the Wrocław Pillory is a preserved monument and popular meeting spot, symbolizing the city’s legal and civic traditions, as well as its long and layered history.
The The Pillory (Pręgierz) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Wrocław!
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Visiting The Pillory (Pręgierz)
Nearby Attractions
- Wroclaw’s Old Town (0.1) km
Area in Wrocław - Wroclaw Town Hall (Ratusz we Wrocławiu) (0.1) km
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Square in Wrocław - Garrison Church of St. Elizabeth (0.3) km
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Palace in Wrocław - Monopol Hotel (0.4) km
Historic Building in Wrocław
