Čumil (Man at Work) - a man holding a book
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Čumil (Man at Work)

4.6
·13k reviews·Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava's iconic 'Man at Work' statue, a bronze sewer worker peeking from a manhole, offering a quirky photo op and local charm.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon

Fewer crowds for photos

CrowdLow
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Čumil (Man at Work) - a man holding a book

Čumil (Man at Work)

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon

Fewer crowds for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Bratislava's iconic 'Man at Work' statue, a bronze sewer worker peeking from a manhole, offering a quirky photo op and local charm.

4.6
(13k reviews)

"A unique little statue that attracts attention. It is very unique to Bratislava and you will always find someone posing with it."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Always a queue for photos! Pat his head for luck, but watch your step.

👀 Look Down!

Easy to miss if you're not looking down. A delightful surprise on the cobblestone streets.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cumil (Man at Work)

Cumil (Man at Work)

Old Town, Bratislava

A charming bronze statue of a sewer worker peeking from a manhole, offering a unique photo opportunity.

The Legend of Cumil

The Legend of Cumil

Old Town, Bratislava

Locals say touching Cumil's head brings good luck and fertility. A fun story to go with a memorable photo.

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Don't Miss This Quirky Icon

Cumil, the 'Man at Work' statue, is a must-see in Bratislava's Old Town. This bronze sewer worker peeking from a manhole is a unique photo op and a beloved local landmark. Keep an eye out as you explore the charming streets!

Photo Op Alert!

Be prepared for a small crowd, as Cumil is a popular spot for photos. Locals suggest patting his head for good luck, but be mindful of the statue itself as it can be a slight trip hazard.

Best Times

When
Early morning or late afternoon
Why
Fewer crowds for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Anytime during the day
Why
Always a fun surprise
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

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@events_bratislava
12.9K likes • 366.6K views

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Always a queue for photos! Pat his head for luck, but watch your step. Reddit

👀 Look Down!

Easy to miss if you're not looking down. A delightful surprise on the cobblestone streets. Reddit

📍Comenius University Botanical Garden, Bratislava - Eliot Parke #plant #botanicalgardens #visit #slowakei
@flanellemagazine
7.9K likes • 242.9K views
Things I wish I knew before visiting Bratislava 🤍 📍 Bite&Byte 📍 Michael’s Gate 📍 St. Martin Pharmacia 📍 Bratislava Castle 📍 Konditorei Kormuth 📍 UFO 📍 St. Martin’s Cathedral Save this for your trip ❤️ #fyp #bratislava
@bratislava_
6K likes • 223.8K views

✨ Local Charm

A small but iconic landmark that adds character to Bratislava's Old Town. Reddit

reddit.com

Čumil, Bratislava, Slovakia

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Always a queue for photos! Pat his head for luck, but watch your step. Reddit

👀 Look Down!

Easy to miss if you're not looking down. A delightful surprise on the cobblestone streets. Reddit

✨ Local Charm

A small but iconic landmark that adds character to Bratislava's Old Town. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(13k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Cumil is a small but incredibly popular and charming statue in Bratislava's Old Town, beloved for its unique design and the local legend of good luck associated with touching its head. While it's a quick stop, it's a definite highlight for many visitors, offering a fun photo opportunity and adding character to the city. Some visitors note it can be a trip hazard and often has crowds for photos.

"A unique little statue that attracts attention. Although it is not a large monument, it is still interesting and you can always see tourists taking pictures of it or having their pictures taken with the statue. I have passed it several times and there were always tourists around the statue. It is perhaps one of the most famous landmarks in the city."

Spase Manev

"Čumil is one of Bratislava’s most famous and quirky statues, showing a man peeking out of a manhole. It’s a fun photo spot and adds charm to the Old Town streets. Locals say he might be “just watching” or “resting from work,” and there are even little legends about him bringing luck if you touch his head. It’s quick to see but definitely worth stopping by for a smile and a memorable picture."

Wiem Mekni

"Beautiful and unique, and somewhat extraordinary, I'd say. A nice story to go with it could enhance the monument—perhaps I missed it.

Bratislava is an interesting place and the center of a virtually "newly born" state.
Undoubtedly, Bratislava has a Hungarian history, followed by a "twinning" with the Czech Republic. Slovaks can be proud of their history and should take the opportunity to showcase their Hungarian and, to some extent, Austrian roots—after all, Bratislava was the capital of Hungary for a long time. During this time, the Habsburgs and the German-speaking population played an important role in Bratislava.
Explanations of the many well-restored buildings and monuments should also be provided in German and Hungarian."

Günther Johann Rozenits

What People Like

Unique and quirky design
Fun photo opportunity
Adds character to Old Town

What People Dislike

Can be a trip hazard
Often crowded for photos

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cumil is located in Bratislava's Old Town, specifically on the corner of Laurinská and Panská streets. It's easily walkable from most central Old Town attractions. Look down as you wander!

Yes, the Old Town is well-served by public transport. You can take trams or buses to stops near the city center and then enjoy a short walk to find Cumil.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Cumil is a public outdoor statue and is free to view and photograph at any time. Reddit

Cumil is an outdoor sculpture, so it's accessible 24/7. The best time to visit for photos might be when there are fewer people around.

📸 📸 Photography

Many visitors pose as if they are being pulled out of the manhole or interacting with Cumil. Be patient as there's often a queue for the prime photo spots. Reddit

Try getting down low to capture Cumil peeking out, or stand above to frame him in his manhole. Experiment with different perspectives!

🎫 🌟 Local Legends & Lore

Cumil, meaning 'watcher' or 'peeper,' is one of several quirky statues in Bratislava. Legends say he represents workers taking a break or observing the world. Reddit

Yes, local lore suggests that touching Cumil's head can bring good luck and even fertility. Many tourists do it for a photo opportunity. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cumil is a fantastic, quick stop for families. Kids often find the idea of a man popping out of the ground quite amusing! It's a great way to break up walking and add a bit of fun to exploring Bratislava's Old Town. The statue is at street level, making it easily accessible for little ones to see and for parents to snap photos. Reddit

Encourage your children to look for Cumil as you walk, turning it into a fun game. The legend of touching his head for luck can also be a fun story to share. Just be mindful that it's a popular photo spot, so keeping a close eye on children in the small crowds is advisable.

📸 Photographers & Instagrammers

For photographers, Cumil offers a unique subject that stands out from typical city landmarks. Its placement at street level and the playful nature of the sculpture allow for creative compositions. Experiment with low angles to emphasize Cumil emerging from the manhole, or use the surrounding Old Town architecture as a backdrop. Reddit

Consider visiting during the 'golden hour' for softer light, or even early morning to capture the statue with fewer people. The interactive element of touching Cumil's head for luck also provides an opportunity for engaging, candid shots. Don't forget to look for the other quirky statues in the vicinity to create a themed photo series.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of Bratislava's Statues

Cumil is not the only whimsical statue adorning Bratislava's Old Town. This offbeat bronze sculpture is part of a collection that adds a unique character to the city's historic streets. Other notable statues include Schöne Náci, a gentleman tipping his hat, and the aforementioned Cumil, a sewer worker peeking from a manhole. These artistic installations are more than just decorations; they are conversation starters and beloved landmarks that invite interaction and create memorable moments for visitors. Reddit

These statues are strategically placed to surprise and delight, often found at street level or emerging from unexpected places. They encourage exploration and add a playful element to sightseeing. Many visitors find themselves actively searching for these hidden gems, turning a simple stroll through the Old Town into a treasure hunt. The presence of these sculptures contributes significantly to Bratislava's unique atmosphere, making it a destination that feels both historic and vibrantly alive. Reddit

Cumil: A Photo Opportunity

The Cumil statue is a prime spot for memorable photographs. Its unique design, with the worker emerging from a manhole, offers endless creative possibilities for visitors. Many people pose as if they are being pulled out of the ground or playfully interact with the statue, creating humorous and engaging shots. Reddit

Be prepared for a small queue, especially during peak tourist times, as Cumil is a very popular subject for photos. Patience is key to getting that perfect shot. Locals and visitors alike often touch Cumil's head for good luck, so you'll see many people incorporating this gesture into their photos. Remember to look down as you explore the Old Town; you might just stumble upon this delightful surprise! Reddit

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