Siegessäule Berlin

Audio Guide Siegessäule

 

 

The Victory Column (Siegessäule) was conceived and built in 1864 to commemorate Prussia's victory over Denmark in the Danish-Prussian War. Originally, this monument was erected on Straße des 17. Juni, near Potsdamer Platz, but in 1938, it was relocated to its current location in Großer Stern Square.

The height of the Victory Column is an impressive 67 meters, and it consists of several sections, each symbolizing various military campaigns in which German armed forces participated:

  1. The First Section: Campaign against Denmark (1864) - This section is dedicated to Prussia's victory over Denmark in the Danish-Prussian War, leading to the acquisition of Schleswig and Holstein by Prussia.

  2. The Second Section: Campaign against Austria (1866) - This part of the monument reflects Prussia's triumph in the Austro-Prussian War, also known as the "War of German Unification." This war resulted in the creation of the North German Confederation under Prussian leadership.

  3. The Third Section: Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) - This section symbolizes Prussia and its allies' victory over France during the Franco-Prussian War. Victory in this war led to the formation of the German Empire and the crowning of Wilhelm I as Emperor.

Each of these sections highlights significant military successes that contributed to the formation of Germany as a nation and elevated Prussia to a leading role in the process of its unification.

The monument's pinnacle is adorned with a sculpture representing Victoria, the goddess of victory, standing in a chariot, giving it a heroic appearance.

The Victory Column has become a symbol not only of military victories but also of national unity and pride. It has become a key part of Berlin's landscape and historical memory.