Szlak JelonkówRajcuś
Rajcuś – a town councillor with a heraldic shield. In a scarf in the colours of Jelenia Góra, he keeps watch beneath the windows of the Town Hall – where the fate of the city has been decided for centuries.
Fun fact: Jelenia Góra has held town rights since 1288, granted by Bolko I of Świdnica. The town council – the rajcy – was the oldest form of local government in Lower Silesia. Since the 15th century the town’s coat of arms has featured a red stag, which Rajcuś wears proudly on his chest.
Figurine author: Marcin Znamienkiewicz (nauczyciel)
Rajcuś is the town councillor of the Szlak Jelonków trail, with a heraldic shield. In a scarf in the colours of Jelenia Góra he keeps watch beneath the windows of the Town Hall, where the fate of the city has been decided for centuries. He is one of the most representative deer in the very heart of the old town, and one of the most recognisable attractions of central Jelenia Góra.
Where Rajcuś stands
The figure is by the Jelenia Góra Town Hall, on the Town Hall Square, surrounded by historic arcaded townhouses. It is the central point of the Szlak Jelonków trail and the most photographed spot in the old town.
Self-government and the coat of arms of Jelenia Góra
Jelenia Góra has held town rights since 1288, granted by Bolko I of Świdnica. The town council, the body of councillors, was one of the oldest forms of self-government in Lower Silesia. The city's coat of arms has featured a red stag since the 15th century, which Rajcuś proudly wears on his chest.
What to see nearby
Right beside him stands Przewodniczek with a Sudeten guide's badge, and a bit further on Czytyś by the Książnica Karkonoska library. The Town Hall Square is the densest stretch of the Szlak Jelonków trail.
Frequently asked questions
Who made the Rajcuś figure?
The little deer was made by Marcin Znamienkiewicz, a sculpture teacher at the Stanisław Wyspiański School of Artistic Crafts in Jelenia Góra.
Since when has Jelenia Góra held town rights?
Since 1288, when they were granted by Bolko I of Świdnica. The city's coat of arms has featured a red stag since the 15th century.
Where exactly does the little deer stand?
By the Town Hall, on the Town Hall Square in the centre of Jelenia Góra.
