Consider the weight of history that permeates this very ground before the Kriegerdenkmal. This memorial stands as a poignant reminder of Germany’s past. It is a place of remembrance.
The Kriegerdenkmal, also known as the Neue Wache, is not just a building. It’s a central memorial of the Federal Republic of Germany. It honors the victims of war and dictatorship. Located on Unter den Linden boulevard, this site has witnessed significant transformations throughout history.
Initially, the Neue Wache served as a guardhouse for the troops of the Crown Prince of Prussia in 1816. Designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, it was his first major commission in Berlin. Schinkel envisioned a structure reminiscent of a Roman castrum with sturdy corner towers and an inner courtyard. The building’s architecture is a leading example of German neoclassicism.
Until 1918, the Neue Wache functioned as the Haupt- und Königswache. Yet, it was also seen as a memorial to the Wars of Liberation. In 1931, Reich President Paul von Hindenburg decided to convert the building into a memorial for those who fell in World War I. Architect Heinrich Tessenow redesigned the interior. He placed a black granite block with a silver and gold oak leaf wreath inside.
The Second World War brought devastation. The Neue Wache was almost completely destroyed by bombing. In 1960, the GDR leadership reconstructed it as a memorial to the victims of fascism and militarism. An eternal flame burned over urns containing the remains of an unknown concentration camp prisoner and an unknown soldier.
After German reunification in 1993, another transformation occurred. The Neue Wache became the Central Memorial of the Federal Republic of Germany. The sculpture “Mother with her dead son” by Käthe Kollwitz found its place inside. This sculpture commemorates all victims of war and tyranny. Kollwitz created this sculpture after her own son died in World War I.
The sculpture’s placement directly under the oculus exposes it to Berlin’s harsh climate. This symbolizes the suffering endured by civilians during and after the World Wars. The changing of the guard ceremony at the Kriegerdenkmal was famous. It remained mostly unchanged throughout the 20th century. However, regular honor guards are no longer present except during special events.
Take a moment to reflect on the layers of history within these walls. The Kriegerdenkmal stands as a testament to resilience and remembrance. It urges us to remember the past to build a more peaceful future.