Moved from its original site in 1938 from what is now called the Platz der Republik, the 220 ft Siegessäule (Victory column) stands in the middle of a large square between the Ernst Reuter Platz and the Brandenburg Gate. Built to commemorate the German victories over Denmark in 1864, Austria in 1866 and France in 1870 and 71, it was inaugurated in 1873 by the Emperor William 1.

The shaft of the monument is made of cannon captured from the enemy and the column itself stands on a tall granite plinth with bronze plaques depicting scenes from the three wars.

26 feet tall, the golden figure of the goddess Victory stands proudly on the top surveying the once again united Germany whilst under the open colonnade at the base is a mosaic mural created by Friedrich Drake in honour of the original German unity in 1870 -1.

You can climb up to the top of the column via the staircase and enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city and the few pfennigs entrance fee has earned the goddess Victory the dubious title of 'the cheapest woman in Berlin'.

I hope you enjoy the pages on Berlin and I hope to add to them as I go along. I would be happy to answer any queries on Berlin or its history - just e-mail me by clicking on the Berlin logo here.
                 Grüsse aus Berlin,
                                                Der Berliner.