Behold the Friedenssäule a testament to peace. This magnificent column stands proudly on Mehringplatz in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district. It’s more than just a pretty monument. It whispers tales of historical significance and cultural importance.
The Friedenssäule commemorates the Treaty of Paris in 1815. This treaty ended Napoleon’s reign over Europe. King Friedrich Wilhelm III commissioned its construction in 1840 to mark the treaty’s 25th anniversary. Hofbaurat Christian Gottlieb Cantian designed and built it. He completed the project in 1843. That same year the Friedenssäule was inaugurated on August 3rd. This date marked the 30th anniversary of the Battle of Großbeeren. In this battle Prussian forces prevented Napoleon’s army from retaking Berlin.
The Friedenssäule is 19 meters tall. It is inspired by ancient Greek column monuments. These were dedicated to the gods for victories over the Persians. The column itself features a five-tiered base. A rectangular plinth of Silesian marble supports the Corinthian column. The seven-meter shaft is made of dark polished granite. The base and capital are made of white Carystian marble.
Atop the column stands a monumental statue of Victoria. She seems to soar above the eagle-adorned capital. She holds a palm branch and laurel wreath. The statue is an enlarged copy of Christian Daniel Rauch’s Second Charlottenburg Victoria. Rauch’s original is located in Charlottenburg Palace Park. He based his model on a small antique bronze found in Pompeii in 1823.
Originally the Friedenssäule stood on Belle-Alliance-Platz. This name commemorated the Battle of Waterloo. The square was one of three geometric Berlin squares. They were created during the westward expansion of Friedrichstadt and Dorotheenstadt under Friedrich Wilhelm I. The Friedenssäule occupied a prominent urban location. Cantian cleverly incorporated a fountain into the design. This solved a problem. The area suffered from flooding. The fountain also helped flush the new underground drainage system.
The Friedenssäule remains a symbol of peace. Its history is woven into the fabric of Berlin. It stands as a reminder of past conflicts and the enduring hope for a peaceful future. Take a moment to appreciate this stunning monument. Let its beauty and history resonate within you.