Čumil

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“Čumil” (The Watcher) by Viktor Hulík, 1997
Rybárska Gate / Panská / Laurinská
Bratislava, September 2017

“The literal translation of the word Čumil is ‘the watcher’. There are two possible explanations for its name. The first rumour says that he is a typical communist era worker who is not bothered about the work he’s supposed to be doing. According to the second rumour, he's looking under the women’s skirts. Choose the one you like more... This most photographed statue of our city attracts tourists at the junction of Laurinská and Panská Streets. Since 1997, when it was first embedded in the ground, it has become one of the symbols of our Old Town. There is a story around this man sticking out of a manhole. The story says that a wish will come true for you if you touch the head of the man – if you keep it secret forever.” (Bratislava Statues, Welcome to Bratislava)