Suspended high above. That’s Der Schwebende. The Hovering Angel. Right here in the Antoniter Church.
This isn’t just any angel. It’s a powerful symbol of peace. A testament to resilience after devastating wars. Sculpted by Ernst Barlach a German expressionist. This particular angel wasn’t his original.
The original angel resided in Güstrow. It’s a story of survival. A plaster mold. Secretly copied after World War II. This copy found a new home here in Cologne. A symbol of hope. Remembered after two world wars.
The Cold War divided Germany. East and West. Yet this angel bridged the gap. Another copy made. A gift from Cologne in West Germany to Güstrow in the East. A gesture of friendship.
Chancellor Helmut Schmidt once visited the angel in Güstrow. He spoke of shared memory. A common future. His words prophetic. The Berlin Wall fell. East and West Germany reunited. A peaceful resolution. The angel’s message of hope prevailed.
Today Der Schwebende stands as a lasting tribute. To those lost in conflict. To the enduring hope for peace and reconciliation. A reminder of shared history. A beacon of a future united. Look closely. Reflect on its significance. This angel’s journey is a journey of hope. A powerful story told in bronze. A lasting testament to perseverance. The Hovering Angel. A symbol of peace and reconciliation in the heart of Cologne.