Weinende Brücke War memorial

Amidst the urban tapestry of Vienna, the Weinende Brücke stands as a poignant reminder of a forgotten chapter of World War I. The Weinende Brücke, or “Weeping Bridge,” isn’t weeping in the traditional sense. Its tears are symbolic, forged in steel and concrete, a testament to the suffering of Italian prisoners of war. This unassuming bridge, weighing 150 tons, is located near the Siemensstraße rapid transit station, part of the Floridsdorf elevated railway. It was hoisted into place on June 1, 1997, but its story begins decades earlier. In 1916, amidst the turmoil of war, Italian POWs were forced to construct this section of the elevated railway. The Weinende Brücke memorializes their plight. Created by Austrian sculptor Professor Wander Bertoni and erected in 1998, the memorial captures the essence of their hardship. On the south side of the track, two concrete viaduct arches rise, supporting a semi-circular arch of Nirosta steel. At its apex, the steel arch is broken by a gap, from which symbolic tears of steel flow downwards. This powerful imagery represents the pain and suffering endured by those who built the bridge under duress. A plaque at the Siemensstraße station further explains the memorial’s significance. It reads, “A memorial for the future. In remembrance of the construction of the elevated railway in 1916 with the use of Italian prisoners of war, Professor Wander Bertoni created the ‘Weeping Bridge.’ The connection of the bridge is interrupted by the suffering (the tears) of the prisoners.” The Weinende Brücke serves not only as a reminder of the past but also as a cautionary tale for the future. It’s a testament to the human cost of conflict and a tribute to the resilience of those who endured unimaginable hardship.