Towering above us, does the Friedenssäule not look a bit like Munich’s guardian angel? It is a monument that calls for peace. It stands in contrast to its counterpart in Berlin which commemorates victory in the Franco-Prussian War. The Friedenssäule in Munich, or Angel of Peace, commemorates 25 years of peace following that war.
The Friedenssäule is located in Bogenhausen. It stands in the middle of the Maximiliansanlagen park amidst mighty trees. This golden statue towers atop a 23-metre Corinthian column. The column itself sits on an ancient-looking square temple.
From here, visitors can view the magnificent buildings on Prinzregentenstrasse. These include the Bavarian National Museum and the Haus der Kunst art gallery. You can even see the Prinz Carl Palais mansion.
The six-metre-high golden angel holds an olive branch. This symbolizes peace. In her left hand, she holds a figure of the goddess Athena. Athena represents warfare and wisdom. The temple below measures eight by eight metres. It features four gold mosaics. These mosaics depict war, victory, peace, and cultural blessings. The cornerstones are adorned with portraits of emperors and generals. Among them are Emperor Wilhelm I and King Ludwig II.
Two stairways lead from the Prinzregent-Luitpold-Terrasse observation deck to the fountain below. The water fountain visually extends the column toward the goddess of victory. Four cherubs riding dolphins can be seen in the water. They appear scantily dressed and baroque. In a niche behind the fountain, water drips in an artificial grotto.
The bronze statue was created by sculptors Heinrich Düll, Georg Pezold, and Max Heilmaier. It faced collapse some decades after its unveiling on July 16, 1899. It was removed for safety in 1981 and suffered damage. The Friedenssäule returned to its place in 1983. It had a stronger pillar and new wings. The new wings are steeper and have a span of five metres.
The city of Munich mended the Friedenssäule for its 100th anniversary in 1999. Ferdinand von Miller’s bronze casting received fresh gold leaf. This gave it new radiance for its peacekeeping mission.
An evening by the Friedenssäule offers a romantic experience. The sun disappears impressively behind the city rooftops from here. As the golden statue raises its wings, the fountain sparkles below. It is a beautiful and peaceful sight. The Angel of Peace serves as a constant reminder of the importance of peace. It embodies Munich’s hope for a harmonious future.