Berlin SIEGESSÄULE
In the middle of the Grosser Stern or the great star roundabout in Berlin’s famous Tiergarten finally rests a 69-metre tall structure which was erected to serve as a remembrance of the victorious Prussians during the Danish-Prussian War. Berlin’s Victory Column, also known as the Siegessäule was designed by Heinrich Strack and was inaugurated on September 2, 1873. Before the construction of the column was finished, the Prussians also defeated Austria and France in the Astro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian Wars in 1866 and 1870 respectively. The Prusian success in the so-called reunification wars has lead to the designing and addition of the bronze sculpture of Victoria, the Goddess of Voctory. The sculpture, designed by Friedrich Drake, is 8.3 metres high. It is believed that the statue’s face is based on the sculptor’s daughter’s face and was later named by Berliners as Goldelse or Golden Else. After the addition of the Goldelse, the Victory Column now stood at 69 metres high.
The Siegessäule was originally erected in Königsplatz which was formerly known as Platz der Republik. In 1938, the Nazis transferred the column in its present location which practically saved it from being destroyed by American air raids in 1945. Over the years, it has become not only a symbol of victory but also a favorite tourist spot and Berlin’s gay community.
The hall of pillars where the column is positioned has glass mosaic designed by Anton von Werner. The base of the column is composed of polished red granite adorned with four bronze reliefs presenting the reunification wars and the troops marching victoriously into Berlin. These reliefs were designed by Moritz Schulz, Karl Keil, Alexander Calandrelli, and Albert Wolf. The Victory Column on the other hand is composed of four sturdy slabs of sandstone. The three blocks are designed by cannon barrels taken as spoils of war during the reunification wars. After the Battle of France, the fourth block was added by Adolf Hitler and was decorated with golden garlands.
The entrance points of the monument are indicated by four neo-classical temples. These temples were designed by Albert Speer and were built in 1941. Albert Speer purposefully increased the width of the street between the column and the Brandenburg Gate to accommodate traffic and provide easy access to pedestrians.
The Siegessäule is probably one of the most famous attractions in the city of Berlin. It is perfect for sightseeing trips for the family and friends. It acts as a monument which houses a great and significant part of German history. It is considered as a symbol for victory not only for the Germans in general but also for Berlin’s gay community. It has an observation deck which can be reached through the 285-step spiral staircase. Despite the long and tiresome ascent, the view is breathtakingly worth each and every step. The viewing deck allows tourists and visitors to have an amazing view over the Tiergarten, the Reischtag, the Brandenburger Gate, and the Fernsehturm. After the sightseeing, tourists and visitors can relax and enjoy a much needed break and refreshments at the Café Victoria and the Biergarten.