Peace Column in Berlin: History and Facts

The Peace Column, or Friedenssäule, is a significant historical monument located in Berlin's Mehringplatz. Erected between 1840 and 1843, this Classical-style column commemorates Prussia's role in the Napoleonic Wars and stands as a testament to the city's complex history.

Architectural Details

Designed by architect Christian Gottlieb Cantian, the Peace Column stands 19 meters tall. Its shaft is crafted from dark polished granite, while the base and capital are made of white Carrara marble. The column's base is a combination of both marble and granite.

Crowning the monument is a brass statue of Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory, sculpted by Christian Daniel Rauch. This statue is an enlarged cast of Rauch's 'Second Charlottenburg Victoria,' which was inspired by an ancient bronze Nike figure discovered in Pompeii in 1823.

A History of Commemoration

The column was built to commemorate the German campaign of 1813 and the subsequent Peace of Paris in 1815. The square itself was originally named Belle-Alliance-Platz, the Prussian name for the Battle of Waterloo. The monument's inauguration on August 3, 1843, marked the 30th anniversary of the Battle of Großbeeren, a key Prussian victory that saved Berlin from reoccupation by Napoleon's forces.

Over the years, the monument's symbolism evolved. In 1876, allegorical sculptures representing the four victorious allies of Waterloo were added to its base. Three years later, in 1879, two more sculptures were added: 'The Peace' by Albert Wolff and 'Clio, writing the history of the Wars of Liberation' by Ferdinand Hartzer. These additions shifted the monument's focus from purely military victory to include themes of reconciliation and the recording of history.

A Monument with a Secret Function

Beyond its commemorative purpose, the Peace Column hides a surprising utilitarian function. The architect, Christian Gottlieb Cantian, ingeniously integrated a fountain into the column's base. This was not just for aesthetics; it served the practical purpose of flushing the underground canalization system that Cantian had also designed to prevent persistent flooding in the square. This dual role as both a grand monument and a piece of urban infrastructure is a unique aspect of its design.

The Peace Column Today

Located in the vibrant Kreuzberg district, the Peace Column is a focal point in Mehringplatz, surrounded by residential buildings. While not as famous as Berlin's other Victory Column, it offers a more intimate historical experience for visitors. The monument continues to be a site for civic engagement, as seen in 2020 when it was temporarily wrapped in textile installations by a contemporary artist, connecting its military past with modern dialogue. It remains an accessible public landmark, inviting reflection on Berlin's layered history.