Germany constructed the Victory Column, or Siegessaule, between 1871 and 1873 to commemorate the military victories of Prussia over Denmark. At more than 200 feet, this stately monument inhabits the Tiergarten area of central Berlin, though at one time it sat in front of Reichstag until Hitler moved it in 1939. Built by sculptor Freidrich Darke, the gilded bronze statue depicts the victory goddess Victoria and weighs just more than 35 tons. You can climb the Victory Column's 285 steps to reach a viewing platform offering fantastic views of the surrounding neighborhood.
This fascinating war memorial commemorates the 80,000 Soviet soldiers who fell in the Battle of Berlin in 1945. Its inscription reads: "Eternal glory to heroes who fell in the struggle against the German fascist invaders for the freedom and independence of the Soviet Union." Designed by architect Mikhail Gorvits, the Soviet War Memorial features an unnamed bronze soldier on top of a massive stone archway similar in design to the nearby Brandenburger Gate. The City of Berlin maintains the memorial, which serves as a stoic reminder of Germany's particularly violent early 20th century history.
Situated in the Bavarian capital of Munich, this column and statue of the Virgin Mary is an important city landmark that overlooks Marienplatz, an important square in the center of the city. Built in 1638, Mary's Column proclaimed the end of Swedish occupation during the Thirty Years' War. The statue, which was built before the column in 1590, is illuminated at dusk, creating a dramatic effect that's particularly photo-friendly. Virgin Mary is perched on a crescent moon, symbolizing her role as the Queen of Heaven.
The Otto von Bismarck Monument, commonly known as the Bismarck Monument, is one of Hamburg's major city landmarks. The monument commemorates the famed German leader who unified the country during the 1800s among other accomplishments. Designed by the joint efforts of architect Johann Emil Schaudt and sculptor Hugo Lederer, the Bismarck Monument stands 115 high and overlooks a picturesque recreational area of Hamburg. Though the monument once served as an air raid shelter during World War II, the interior is no longer open to the public because of safety concerns.
