High above us stands Der Sieger a golden goddess gleaming in the Berlin sun. This is the Victory Column a monument to German unification. It wasn’t always here though.
Originally Der Sieger stood on Königsplatz. It was built between 1864 and 1873 by Heinrich Strack. The column initially celebrated Prussia’s victory in the Second Schleswig War against Denmark. However by the time of its inauguration in 1873 Prussia had also won the Austro-Prussian War and the Franco-Prussian War. These victories shaped German unification. The statue’s purpose broadened to encompass these triumphs.
The golden figure atop the column is Victoria the Roman goddess of victory. Berliners affectionately call her Goldelse Golden Elsie. She holds a laurel wreath and a military standard. The eagle on her helmet symbolizes Borussia the personification of Prussia. The statue itself is eight and a half meters high and weighs 35 tons. It was cast by the Berliner Bildgießer Hermann Gladenbeck.
The column’s base is adorned with four bronze reliefs. They depict pivotal battles of the unification wars: Düppel Königgrätz Sedan and the victorious entry into Berlin. Interestingly these reliefs were removed in 1945. They were later returned by France and reattached in 1987.
In 1938-1939 Der Sieger was moved to its current location on Großer Stern. Albert Speer oversaw the relocation as part of Hitler’s plans to redesign Berlin. The move wasn’t just a change of scenery. The column was extended by adding a fourth section. This increased its height to approximately 67 meters. The relocation was intended to enhance the monument’s urban presence.
Der Sieger survived World War II largely intact. However after the Battle of Berlin Polish soldiers briefly raised their flag on it. They later regretted not destroying the monument. The Victory Column was the subject of an attempted bombing by a leftist terrorist group in 1991. The bombing was unsuccessful.
Today Der Sieger remains a prominent landmark in Berlin. It offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city. It’s a symbol of German history a powerful reminder of war and unification. It is a must-see for any visitor to this vibrant city. Climb the 285 steps and witness Berlin from a unique perspective. Enjoy the breathtaking vista. Remember the stories embedded in this magnificent monument.