Befreiungshalle, Kelheim

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It was a sunny Monday, 22 July.  Fritz drove us from Katzwang to Kelheim, a town in Bavaria, situated at the confluence of two rivers, Altmühl and Danube.  We visited the town and two most spectacular spots: Befreiungshalle and Kloster Weltenburg  (Abbey).

Befreiungshalle is a classical monument ordered by Ludwig I to memorise the victory of the battles against Napoleon, also called the battle of Leipzig, dated 1813-1815.

The exterior façade is crowned 18 colossal statues as allegories of German tribes.  The number 18 also denotes the date that the troops of Napoleon were defeated. Inside are 34 white marble victories, holding hands symbolizing celebrating peace, joy, unification. 

Grounded in the centre is a dictum:


MOECHTEN DIE TEUTSCHEN NIE VERGESSEN WAS DEN EFREIUNGSKAMPF

NOTHWENDIG MACHTE UND WODURCH SIE GESIEGT.

translated into

May the Germans never forget what made necessary the Struggle for Freedom and by what means they won.

One can feel the hardship and dedication involved in, the joy and proud of winning the battles finally.

Inscription at the entrance portal:

To the German Liberation Fighters Ludwig I King of Bavaria

Ascend to the top of the building and be rewarded with fantastic views of Kelheim, the town, nearby and preview the beautiful path leading to the oldest brewery Kloster Weltenburg.




Location: Kelheim, Germany

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