Roland

In the charming town of Wedel, nestled in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, stands an imposing figure that has watched over the marketplace for centuries. This is the Roland statue, locally known as the Wedeler Roland. This striking monument, dating back to 1558, is not only a symbol of the town's rich history but also a testament to its enduring spirit.

The Enigmatic Roland

The Roland statue in Wedel is a remarkable piece of artistry and historical significance. Standing tall at 4.5 meters and 1.5 meters wide, this sculpture is crafted from 32 blocks of Obernkirchener sandstone, sourced from the Schaumburg district. It is perched on a 2.2-meter-high brick pedestal, which adds to its towering presence. The statue depicts a nobleman with a full beard and a crown, clad in Gothic plate armor, gazing southward towards the Elbe River. In his right hand, he holds a sword resting against his shoulder, while his left hand grasps an orb adorned with a cross, symbolizing imperial power.

A Closer Look at the Statue

The Roland statue is a vibrant and colorful figure, with parts of its attire and accessories highlighted in gold bronze. Draped over its shoulders is a red cloak that transitions into a supporting column at the back of the statue. This support bears an inscription attributed to the Protestant theologian Johann Rist (1607–1667), written in Gothic script. The front of the pedestal features a sandstone relief of a coat of arms, possibly representing the House of Schaumburg, though the traditional Schaumburg nettle leaf has been replaced by a heart. On the back of the pedestal, a round sandstone relief bears the inscription, Gruss und Segen unseren Nachkommen 1856 (Greetings and blessings to our descendants 1856).

The Evolution of Roland

The origins of the Wedeler Roland can be traced back to around 1450, when the Count of Holstein-Schaumburg likely established the town's market rights, possibly marked by a market cross. By 1558, a sandstone statue replaced the original marker, as evidenced by a receipt for the stone from the Bergwar quarry near Obernkirchen. Over the centuries, the statue and its pedestal have undergone numerous renovations. In 1602, masons repaired damaged areas with Lüneburg lime. After the statue toppled in 1652, the Danish king granted 100 Reichstaler for its restoration, provided the work was done by the townspeople of Wedel.

Despite these efforts, by 1692, the statue was in a state of disrepair, as documented by Johann Daniel Major in his work Bevölckertes Cimbrien. Subsequent restorations occurred in 1785 and 1835–1836, though funds were insufficient for a full-color restoration, leaving the statue uniformly gray. In 1846 and 1856, additional masonry work was done to prevent further collapse, during which the coat of arms was damaged and the Schaumburg nettle leaf was replaced with a heart. By 1895, the pedestal had been redesigned in a neo-Gothic style, with pronounced corner chamfers, creating an octagonal capital for the statue.

Modern Restorations and Relocations

In 1907, extensive repairs were made, including the restoration of metal parts such as the sword, crosses, and crown, and the statue was repainted in vibrant colors. Although a planned restoration in 1938 was abandoned due to World War II, the statue survived the bombings relatively unscathed. Originally located in the center of the Wedel marketplace, the statue was moved in 1950 to accommodate the expansion of Federal Highway 431. This relocation, despite concerns from heritage conservation authorities, resulted in significant damage to the statue. The neo-Gothic pedestal was replaced with a narrower column-like core made of concrete, clad in brick masonry. Damaged parts of the statue were repaired with Bückeburg sandstone, and the previously painted inscription was carved into the supporting column. The statue was then repainted in bright colors.

Further restorations took place in 1984, when the statue was cleaned, stabilized, and repaired. After two incidents of vandalism, in which the statue was doused with paint stripper and the orb was defaced, a protective coating was applied. The most recent restoration occurred in 2012, in celebration of Wedel's 800th anniversary.

The Symbolism of Roland

Commonly referred to as a Roland statue, the Wedeler Roland is believed to symbolize the town's trade and market rights, particularly in relation to the historical cattle market. However, this interpretation is debated. Traditional Roland statues typically depict knights with armor, helmets, swords or lances, and shields. In contrast, the Wedeler Roland wears a crown and holds an orb, indicating an imperial figure. In 1692, Major described the statue as a representation of Charlemagne, and the inscription attributed to Rist also identifies it as an imperial image. This suggests that the statue of Emperor Charlemagne is more likely a reference to the market peace and the Saxon legal order of the time.

In conclusion, the Roland statue in Wedel is more than just a historical monument; it is a symbol of the town's heritage and resilience. Its colorful presence in the marketplace serves as a reminder of the town's rich history and the enduring legacy of its people. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a casual visitor, the Wedeler Roland is a must-see attraction that offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.