THE BISMARCK MONUMENT
A unique monument
The Bismarck Monument: a unique monument
The largest statue in the world of Otto von Bismarck is located in the Alter Elbpark near the Port of Hamburg. The history of the monument honouring the first German Chancellor of the Reich goes back to 1898. An architecture competition was held to encourage creative builders to submit proposals in homage to the Chancellor of the Reich. To this day, the Bismarck Monument is primarily seen as a tribute to the empire. After all, the relationship between the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg and the imperial chancellor was always characterised by discord. In the end, the design that was chosen presented Bismarck as a large statue of Roland. We have the sculptor Hugo Lederer and the architect Johann Emil Schaudt to thank for this idea.
The locals view the statue critically
Today, the statue of Roland embodies values such as freedom, prosperity, justice and market rights. The monument depicts the imperial chancellor as a patron saint, which he actually was not. Nevertheless, the Bismarck Monument is inseparably linked with the city of Hamburg today. Located on a hill in the Elbpark, the monument is clearly visible from the harbour and from afar. The figure, which was unveiled in 1906, stands on a pedestal that is over 34 metres high in total. The sculpture of the politician alone measures 14.8 metres.
The Mysterious Catacombs
To this day, a mystery surrounds the monument. The statue is embedded in extensive catacombs, the purpose of which is still unknown. It is assumed that murals depicting Bismarck quotes and Prussian national images were painted on these catacombs and in the hollow pedestal after 1941. But even these depictions leave questions unanswered.
Link
- Die Roten-Doppeldecker
Stop 1, St. Pauli Landungsbrücken - HVV
Underground: U3 Landungsbrücken - Rapid Transit Railway
S1, S2, S3 Landungsbrücken
- Address:
Bismarck Monument, Alter Elbpark
Seewartenstraße
20459 Hamburg