Constructed from concrete and granite porphyry and inaugurated in 1913, this 300-foot-tall sculpture is among Europe’s largest memorials—and one of Leipzig’s most striking historic monuments. Located close to Napoléon’s former command post, the monument houses a visitor center and the Forum 1813 museum, which tells the story of the Battle of the Nations through rare weapons, uniforms, pieces of equipment, and personal mementos. Also on-site is a crypt full of depictions of mourning soldiers, plus a second floor with a Hall of Fame for acclaimed Germans and a viewing platform that offers panoramas of Leipzig and its surroundings. A nearby park and its large water basin are currently under construction but are expected to be completed in 2020.
More Recommendations
Sorry, Napoleon, You Lost: The Battle of Leipzig
With the long name of Völkerschlachtdenkmal, this is a monument to the Battle of the Nations, located in South Leipzig and built in 1913. It commemorates the clash against Napoleon, and his defeat. The monument includes a museum, and it is surrounded by one of the most interesting German cemeteries, with a monument to the victims of WWII. You can also go up to the platform at the top (500 steps) and gain a nice view of Leipzig city center and its surroundings.