About Berlin Victory Column
Berlin Victory Column is one of the most popular and frequently visited sites of Berlin. It was built between 1864 and 1873, to honor Prussia’s victory in 1864, in the German-Danish War. In later years, some additions were applied to Berlin Victory Column, in order to commemorate two more German victories. One of them was achieved in 1866, against Austria, and the other one in 1870-1, in the Franco-Prussian War.
Therefore, the column celebrates three victories, and it consists of three separate sculptural segments. It is 67 meters high, with the bronze sculpture on top of it, which is 8.3 meters high. It weighs 35 tonnes. The author of this stunning landmark is architect Heinrich Strack, while sculptor Friedrich Drake designed the crowning statue.
When to visit Berlin Victory Column
You should visit Berlin Victory Column from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM (on weekends until 7 PM). Between 1 November and 31 March it is open from 10 AM to 5 PM (on weekends until 5 30 PM). Climb those 270 steps if the weather is nice, and enjoy wonderful panoramic views from an open terrace. When you go to Berlin Victory Column, you should also allow some time for Tiergarten park, or the Zoo. You could additionally visit Brandenburger Tor and Unter den Linden boulevard, but keep in mind that it would be quite a long walk.
Why to visit Berlin Victory Column
There’s a museum at the bottom of Berlin Victory Column, where you can admire models of world’s famous architecture. Inside the column is a spiral staircase, which leads to the observation terrace. The Column is decorated with mosaics and reliefs.
Roman goddess of victory is on top of the column. She wears a helmet on her head, and holds a laurel wreath in one hand, and a cross in the other. She is also identified as Borussia, a personification of Prussia. Sculptor’s model for her face was his daughter, who was nicknamed Golden Else.
Significance of Berlin Victory Column
In 1871 Berlin became the capitol of the new German Empire, under Emperor Wilhelm I. The so-called Wars of Unification were ended, and Berlin Victory Column was constructed as the symbol of the nation and its unity. Originally, it stood in front of Reichtag building, at Konigsplatz (Platz der Republik today).
During the Second World War, Berlin Victory Column was posted in the middle of Tiergarten park, in a central intersection of five important avenues. This was done according to the vision of Albert Speer, the main architect of Nazi regime. Today, it still stands on this exact spot.
