The Monument to the Battle of the Nations - 207 Years after One of the Main Fights of the Napoleonic Wars

The Monument to the Battle of the Nations, Leipzig, Germany

The battle of the Nations took place in Leipzig, Saxony 16-19 October, 1813. It was the largest battle of Napoleonic wars. 207 years ago emperor Napoleon I fought against armies of Russia, Austria, Prussia and Sweden. This fight was the largest till World War I and there is the largest monument in Europe dedicated to it.

The battle began with successful attack of Napoleon I, but after that coalition armies were able to inflict serious damage on the enemy and on October 19 Napoleon I began retreating to France. Retreating, the emperor stayed for a couple of days in Pirna.

Nowadays great monument reminds people about that battle. There were several project competitions and a lot of projects. The idea of monument creation was suggested after the battle. But it had no support because after the battle Saxony lost many territories. Despite the fact that the idea of the monument was periodically returned, the monument was opened only in 1913 to the 100th anniversary of the battle. 

They say that the price of the monument was six millions gold marks.  Money was collected through donations and specially organized lotteries.

The Monument to the Battle of the Nations, Leipzig, Germany

Now the monument to the Battle of the nations is one of the most important places of interest in Leipzig. The monument reminds a pyramid or a large bell. Its height is 91m. It has 500 steps. There is see point on the top of the monument. 

Leipzig, Germany

Leipzig, Germany

Inside there are crypt with eight solders' sculptures and the hall of glory with four statues. 

The crypt in the Monument to the Battle of the Nations, Leipzig, Germany

These four statues symbolize courage, faith, sacrifice, fertilities. The height of each statue is 9,5m.

The Hall of Glory, Monument to the Battle of the Nations, Leipzig, Germany

In times of East Germany it was the idea to break the monument because it was connected with nationalism propaganda in the past. But the monument got a second chance as a symbol of Russian-German friendship. 

Today the monument to the Battle of the Nation is a popular place for citizens and tourists and a symbol of human courage.