Did Rubenow ever imagine his legacy would be cast in metal, towering over a square named in his honor? Here at the Rubenow-Denkmal, we’re confronted by more than just a monument. It’s a soaring testament to Greifswald’s academic heart and soul. The Rubenow-Denkmal is a striking 12.55-meter-tall finial, the largest freestanding one of its kind in Germany. It’s crafted from galvanically bronzed zinc, a cutting-edge material in the mid-19th century. This innovative choice reflects the forward-thinking spirit of the era. The monument was unveiled in a grand ceremony on October 17, 1856. King Frederick William IV of Prussia himself graced the occasion.
The Rubenow-Denkmal was designed by the renowned Berlin architect Friedrich August Stüler. He drew inspiration from Gothic architecture. The Denkmal’s slender form and intricate details evoke a sense of timeless elegance. Four niches house statues of influential monarchs. These figures represent Duke Wartislaw IX of Pomerania, Duke Bogislaw XIV of Pomerania, King Frederick I of Sweden, and King Frederick William III of Prussia. Sculptor Wilhelm Stürmer brought these historical figures to life. Their presence reminds us of the powerful patrons who shaped the university’s destiny.
Beneath the regal figures, you’ll find the coats of arms of Sweden, Prussia, Pomerania, and Greifswald. These emblems symbolize the university’s rich and diverse heritage. At the base of the monument, a relief portrait of Heinrich Rubenow gazes out. He observes the university he helped create. Rubenow, the esteemed mayor and co-founder of the University of Greifswald, is immortalized here.
Adding to the monument’s scholarly theme are four seated figures. They represent the university’s original faculties: Theology, Law, Medicine, and Philosophy. These figures were designed by sculptor Bernhard Afinger. They depict prominent scholars such as Johannes Bugenhagen for Theology and Ernst Moritz Arndt for Philosophy. Their presence celebrates the intellectual pursuits that have defined Greifswald for centuries.
The Rubenow-Denkmal hasn’t been immune to the passage of time. A storm during World War I caused damage. But the monument was lovingly restored in the 1920s thanks to the Siemens & Halske company. More recently, a major restoration project in 2006 revitalized the monument. This effort was funded by private donations and university contributions. The Rubenow-Denkmal continues to stand proudly on Rubenowplatz. The square gradually adopted this name after the monument’s unveiling. Surrounded by greenery and historic university buildings, it’s a place for quiet contemplation. It serves as a perfect starting point for exploring Greifswald’s academic and cultural treasures. The Rubenow-Denkmal isn’t just a monument. It is a tangible link to Greifswald’s past and a powerful symbol of its enduring commitment to education.