About This Location
Just outside the Church of Our Lady of Grace on Świętojańska Street lies a small stone animal, stretched out as if it has decided to rest on the church steps. It is known as the Jesuit Bear, although many people argue it could just as well be a lion. The sculpture comes from the mid-18th century and is linked to the workshop of Jan Jerzy Plersch, one of Warsaw’s best-known sculptors of the time. It did not start its life here. The figure was once placed at the Piarist church on Długa Street, connected with the same circle of religious art that later found its way into the Old Town. There is also a saintly clue hidden in the “bear or lion” mystery. In Christian art, animals often act as symbols. Here the story points to two early martyrs, Saints Primus and Felician. One is linked with a lion, the other with a bear, and that overlap helps explain why the figure’s identity has never been fully settled in popular talk. Warsaw added its own legend on top. The most popular version says the stone animal is an enchanted young nobleman, frozen by grief, waiting to be released by a kiss of true love. It is a classic Old Town tale - a little romantic, a little mischievous, and perfect for a quick pause before stepping back into the busy streets.