Victory Column · Audio guide
Listen to the story of Victory Column
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Story
Goldelse stands on thirty-five tons of melted cannons. The bronze came from wars Prussia won. Denmark. Austria. France.
She was born in eighteen seventy-three. Back then she stood in front of the Reichstag, facing south toward a victory parade avenue.
Then Hitler moved her. Nineteen thirty-eight. Albert Speer wanted a new Berlin. They lifted the column, walked it two kilometers west, made it taller.
The bombs fell everywhere. But she stood in Tiergarten, far from factories and train stations. The war passed around her.
After the war, France wanted her destroyed. The mosaic inside shows German victory over France. But Britain and America said no.
Now she faces west. Toward France. The country she was built to defeat. Two hundred eighty-five steps to the top. She survived because Berlin moved her twice. Pick this location and we'll tell you the whole story.
Visiting Victory Column
- How to get there
- The closest bus stop is Großer Stern, 134 meters away. Another nearby stop is Schloss Bellevue, 373 meters away.
- Entry and price
- Entry is free.
- Opening hours
- Nov-Mar: Mon-Fri 10:00-17:00; Sat, Sun 10:00-17:30; Apr-Oct: Mon-Fri 09:30-18:30; Sat, Sun 09:30-19:00.
Frequently asked questions
What is the history of the Victory Column?
The Victory Column commemorates three wars: the Danish-Prussian War, the Austro-Prussian War, and the Franco-Prussian War. It was inaugurated on September 2, 1873, marking the anniversary of the French defeat at Sedan.
What can I see if I climb the column?
Climbing the 285 steps leads to a platform 50 meters high, offering views of the Tiergarten, Brandenburg Gate, and the Reichstag. Inside, there's a mosaic by Anton von Werner depicting the three wars and the proclamation of the German Empire.
What is the significance of the golden figure on top?
The figure is Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory, sculpted by Friedrich Drake in 1873. It stands 8.3 meters tall, weighs 35 tons, and holds a laurel wreath and a standard with an Iron Cross.
Why was the column moved to its current location?
In 1938, Albert Speer moved the column to make way for the Welthauptstadt Germania project. The relocation likely saved it from WWII bombings, as it was moved to a park area without military significance.
What happened to the bronze panels at the base?
In 1945, French troops removed three bronze panels depicting Prussian victories over France. They were kept in Paris for 42 years and returned in 1987 as a gift for Berlin's 750th anniversary.
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