“Remember the fallen.” That’s what echoes around the Peterskreuz War memorial. This isn’t just a monument. It’s a testament to Baden’s citizens and their victory in the Franco-Prussian War.
The Siegesdenkmal, also known as the victory monument, commemorates Germany’s triumph over France in 1871. Erected initially near the Karlskaserne barracks, it now stands on Europaplatz. It was moved after World War II.
The Siegesdenkmal is dedicated to the XIV Corps. Most soldiers in this corps were from Baden. General August von Werder commanded them to victory at Montbéliard in 1871. Inspired by this triumph, Baden citizens raised funds. They wanted a statue in their region. Cities like Lörrach and Karlsruhe contributed.
A public contest invited sculptors from across Germany to design the statue. Some artists received special invitations. The jury included Ernst Julius Hähnel from Dresden. Wilhelm Lübke from Stuttgart was also a member. Eduard Magnus from Berlin participated in the jury. Friedrich Pecht, a court painter from Munich, also participated. Gottfried Semper from Vienna completed the panel.
Karl Friedrich Moest, a sculptor from the Karlsruhe art academy, won. He oversaw the monument’s construction. Caspar von Zumbusch and Reinhold Begas took second and third places. Their models were displayed in the Augustiner Museum. Josef Alois Knittel from Freiburg shared second place. His son, Gustav Adolf Knittel, later studied under Moest. He helped build the Siegesdenkmal.
The Lenz casting house in Nürnberg crafted the sculptures. Alberto Luratti, a local sculptor, worked on the granite. Gun barrels taken from the defeated enemy decorated the monument. The total cost reached 85,000 gold marks.
The Siegesdenkmal was unveiled on October 3, 1876. Emperor Wilhelm I attended the inauguration. Grand Duke Frederick I and his wife Louise were present. Imperial Chancellor Otto von Bismarck and August von Werder attended as well.
In 1940, Robert Heinrich Wagner wanted to gift the monument to Adolf Hitler. Wagner was the Gauleiter of Upper Rhine. The city refused his request. The Karlsbau barracks next to the Siegesdenkmal were destroyed in a bombing in 1944. Yet, the Siegesdenkmal survived.
After the war, the German Peace Society wanted the monument removed. Their request was denied in 1948. The Siegesdenkmal was moved 100 meters west in 1961. It was in the way of a new highway. A monument to the Baden Dragoons once stood there, but it was removed. The Siegesdenkmal’s original location became a busy intersection. Tram and bus stations were built there. The monument is planned to be returned to its original place.
The memorial’s square base has steps on all sides. Black Forest granite was used for the construction. The goddess of victory stands on top, holding a laurel wreath. Four warriors stand at the base’s corners. They symbolize defense, but one artillerist is fatally wounded. These figures are considered Karl Friedrich Moest’s best work.
Bronze tablets on the pedestal bear inscriptions. They honor the XIV Corps and General Werder. Other inscriptions commemorate battles and Baden’s sons. A telegram from Empress Auguste praises Werder’s heroic resistance.
Medallions with German Reich emblems decorate the monument. Architects praised its masterful design. They noted its slight softness and blunt structure. The warriors’ defensive postures reflect the battle’s challenge. They defended the fatherland.
The Peterskreuz War memorial is more than stone and bronze. It’s a reminder of victory, sacrifice, and Baden’s proud history. It’s a place to reflect. Remember the fallen and honor their memory.