I recently took a stroll through the St. Mathias cemetery in Templehof. Although it's not one of Berlin's most well-known burial sites, there is quite a bit of history here. Burials began here in 1892 and the site has ties to the Catholic church. This pensive lady was finished and added to the site in 1942. Unfortunately, much of the cemetery was destroyed during WWII, including the original chapel.
According to the sign, this statue has a bullet hole in her back - perhaps soldiers mistook her for a real person? She was restored and re-erected in 2008 and she now overlooks the graves of soldiers who are buried in the cemetery. In all, more than 200 war graves can be found in this cemetery. For more signs, take a look at Signs, Signs.
Hello Hal, I've just caught up with all of your recent posts and it seems Berlin is agreeing with you! I know I'm enjoying the armchair ride!
ReplyDeleteMay you and yours continue to enjoy your time there E.
Greetings
Rose
There isn't all that much original stuff that survived 1945 in Berlin... Never been to Tempelhof...
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit that place. When I was in Berlin I never thought to visit places like that.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised much at all has survived the Second World War and then the occupation of East Berlin. It must actually appear to be quite a modern city in many respects.
ReplyDeleteInteresting history of this cemetery... As others have commented, Berlin was largely destroyed as WWII closed. A harrowing account of the end can be read in Anthony Beevor's Berlin - The Downfall 1945. «Louis» is a WWII history buff, but after reading this book, he had to put WWII history aside for a while. The destruction and suffering endured by all on both sides in that conflict are unimaginable to us today.
ReplyDeleteDid they repair the bullet hole, or leave it as a reminder? She does look very pensive for all the suffering of the war dead.
ReplyDeleteA bullet hole in her back? That is odd. I wonder which side shot at her.
ReplyDeleteA statue with a story...
ReplyDeleteIf she was mistaken for a real mourner, that says a lot for the sculptor.
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