The Victory Column (Siegessäule) in Berlin

The Victory Column, a landmark of Berlin, stands at the “Großer Stern” (Great Star) in the District of Tiergarten. It is 67 metres high and was built between 1864 and 1873. The occasion was the Prussian Victory over Denmark in 1864. During the construction period, Prussia also defeated Austria in 1866, and in 1871 France was defeated. These three victories are commemorated by the bronze reliefs on the plinth, the three lower segments of the column and the gilded figure of Victoria. Originally, the column stood in front of the previous building of the Reichstag. On Hitler’s orders it was relocated to its present position and made higher by a further segment.

The Victory Column stands on a polished red granite plinth, which is divided into a cuboid and a round columned hall. All four sides of the cuboid are decorated with bronze reliefs. Three reliefs depict scenes from the three wars. The fourth relief shows the entry of the victorious troops into Berlin in 1871. In 1945 the French occupying forces had the reliefs removed. One relief was stored in the Spandau Citadel. The others were considered lost until they were rediscovered in France. On the occasion of Berlin’s 750th anniversary celebrations in 1987 they were returned to Berlin and during restoration work in the same year they were again attached to the pedestal of the Victory Column. The columned hall has housed a glass mosaic since 1876. At the request of Emperor Wilhelm I it shows the unification of the German Reich after the victory over France.

The sandstone column is divided into four segments. Three of them are equipped with a total of 60 gilded cannon barrels, which the Prussians captured in the three wars. Gilded garlands were attached to the fourth segment, which was added at a later date. At the top of the column is a winged statue of Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory. It is more than 8 meters high and weighs 35 tons. She is wearing a helmet with eagle’s wings and is holding a laurel wreath and a military standard in her hands. Her facial features are said to be similar to those of the English Princess Royal and later German Empress Victoria, and the figure is said to have shoe size 92. The figure is made of bronze and was completely gilded. That is the reason why it is humorously called “Goldelse” (Golden Elsie) in the Berlin vernacular.

The Victory Column stands at a large, busy intersection with five access roads, also known as the “Great Star”. Several pedestrian tunnels lead beneath the roads to the monument. They are accessible through gatehouses built in 1941 in the neoclassical style. A spiral staircase with 285 steps leads to a viewing platform which, at a height of 50 metres, offers a good view over Berlin. To this day, the “Siegessäule” is a popular meeting place and venue. The Love Parade has taken place here several times. Great stars and well-known politicians such as Barack Obama have already appeared here.