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All Hungary Budapest ‘The Fat Policeman’

‘The Fat Policeman’

Also known as Uncle Karl, the beloved bronze copper keeps a watchful eye on St. Stephen’s Basilica while people rub his lucky belly.

Budapest, Hungary

Added By
Fred Cherrygarden
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‘The Fat Policeman’   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
Uncle Karl’s shiny belly gives him away   Luis Morato / Atlas Obscura User
Be sure to rub his belly   Kaewyn / Atlas Obscura User
Uncle Karl is watching you   Luis Morato / Atlas Obscura User
‘The Fat Policeman’   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
‘The Fat Policeman’   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
‘The Fat Policeman’   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
  jlord7 / Atlas Obscura User
‘The Fat Policeman’   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
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About

St. Stephen’s Basilica is one of the most popular attractions in the Hungarian capital, and Uncle Karl has kept a watchful eye on it since 1987.

Standing in the market square, the “Fat Policeman” statue was created by Finnish sculptor Kaarlo Mikkonen (1920-2001) and has since become a beloved icon of the city. Nicknamed Uncle Karl, the affable bronze copper is clad in a circa-mid-20th-century uniform, complete with a dated helmet and a dapper mustachio.

Uncle Karl is notable for his belly, which has a gloriously golden patina—a clear sign that it has been rubbed by many. Local superstition has it that rubbing his belly grants you good luck and immunity against weight gain so that one can enjoy as much Hungarian food as they like.

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Luck History & Culture Sculptures Statues

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Added By

Fred Cherrygarden

Edited By

Luis Morato, jlord7, Kaewyn

  • Luis Morato
  • jlord7
  • Kaewyn

Published

July 31, 2023

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‘The Fat Policeman’
14 Zrínyi u.
Budapest, 1051
Hungary
47.500536, 19.050986
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