Victory Column

The Victory Column, known as the Siegessäule, is one of the most iconic monuments in Berlin. Located in the center of Großer Stern, a large intersection in Tiergarten park, the column was erected to commemorate the Prussian victories in the wars of unification against Denmark, Austria, and France between 1864 and 1871. Designed by architect Heinrich Strack, the column was completed in 1873 and originally located in Königsplatz, now Platz der Republik, in front of the Reichstag. The column is made up of four segments of sandstone decorated with golden cannons, war trophies taken from Prussia’s enemies. The base of the column is clad in shiny red granite and decorated with bronze reliefs and mosaics by Anton von Werner, illustrating the Prussian battles and victories. The top is crowned by a golden statue of 8.3 meters depicting the goddess Victoria, sculpted by Friedrich Drake and affectionately nicknamed “Goldelse” by Berliners. In 1938-1939, during the Nazi regime, the column was moved from its original site to Großer Stern as part of Albert Speer’s project to transform Berlin into the world capital Germania. On this occasion, a fourth segment was added, increasing the overall height to 67 meters. The Victory Column survived World War II with relatively limited damage, and in the 1980s it was restored to preserve its original splendor. Today, the column is protected as a cultural heritage and continues to attract millions of visitors each year. One of the main attractions of the column is the panoramic platform located at about 51 meters high, accessible via a spiral staircase of 285 steps. The view from the top offers a breathtaking panorama of Tiergarten and many of Berlin’s major landmarks, including Bellevue Palace, Brandenburg Gate, and the Television Tower. The journey to the top may be tiring, but the view more than makes up for the effort. Over the years, the Victory Column has taken on a different symbolic meaning, becoming a place of gathering and celebration for cultural and political events. One of the most memorable events was Barack Obama’s speech in 2008, when he, still a candidate for the presidency of the United States, spoke to a crowd of 200,000 people right at the foot of the column. The column was also a focal point during the Love Parade, the famous techno music festival held in Berlin until 2010. The historical importance of the column is reflected in the artistic and architectural details that adorn it. The reliefs and mosaics on the base tell the story of the foundation of the German Empire, making the column not only a memorial monument but also an open-air history book. The golden statue of Victoria, with her laurel wreath and military banner, symbolizes glory and triumph, but also carries a message of peace and unity.