Adorned with a crown like a city wall, this is Hammonia. The Hammonia Sculpture stands as Hamburg’s female personification. She embodies the city’s spirit. Let’s delve into her story.
Hammonia’s image first appeared in the 18th century. Before that, the Virgin Mary was Hamburg’s patroness. Hammonia represents Hanseatic values. These include freedom, peace, prosperity, harmony, welfare, and trade.
The goddess is tall and beautiful. She watches over Hamburg. Typically, she wears a crown shaped like a city wall with towers. Hammonia may also hold Hamburg’s coat of arms. Sometimes, she carries a ship’s anchor.
The Hansa Fountain once stood at Hansaplatz. It was a gift to Hamburg in 1878. Architects Heinrich Joseph Kayser and Karl von Gro completed it. Engelbert Peiffer sculpted the Hammonia statue and other figures.
In 1888, statues of Hammonia and Germania were erected. They greeted Emperor Wilhelm II at the opening of Hamburg’s Free Port. These stood on the Brooks Bridge. After World War II, both statues vanished.
For almost 60 years, the city missed its patron goddess. In 2003, a new Hammonia statue appeared. This time, she overlooked the port with Europa. German sculptor Jörg Plickat created both sculptures. They stand on the Brooks Bridge.
Hammonia’s presence extends beyond statues. Heinrich Heine’s “Germany: A Winter’s Tale” features her. She meets the tipsy daughter of Charlemagne. Wolf Biermann also includes her in his work.
Even ships bore her name. The Hamburg-American Line had a Hammonia class of vessels. These ships included the SS Germania and the SS Hammonia. They played a role in German immigration to the United States.
Hamburg’s Anthem sometimes goes by Hammonia. Its refrain repeats “Heil über dir, Heil über dir, Hammonia, Hammonia!” Heidi Kabel’s song “Hammonia – Mein Hamburg, ich liebe dich” is also famous.
Interestingly, the exact origin of the name “Hammonia” remains unclear. Medieval chronicles used Hamburgum or Hammaburgum. Despite this, Hammonia’s name appears in literature, art, and commerce. Many clubs and companies use the name. This shows their connection to Hamburg.
In conclusion, Hammonia is more than a statue. She embodies Hamburg’s values and history. Her image reminds us of the city’s enduring spirit. Look at Hammonia and remember Hamburg’s journey.