Monument aux morts, Place de la République, Strasbourg

The Monument aux morts at Place de la République is a war memorial in Strasbourg dedicated to fallen soldiers from World War I. The central sculpture depicts a woman cradling two dying sons, symbolizing the widespread loss of life caused by the conflict.

The memorial was inaugurated in 1936 by French President Albert Lebrun to honor Strasbourg soldiers who died in World War I. It was created during a period when France sought to honor its war losses while promoting reconciliation between nations.

The memorial depicts a mother cradling her dying sons and draws on religious imagery to convey universal suffering from war. Visitors sense how the sculpture speaks to grief and loss that transcends national boundaries.

The memorial site is located in central Strasbourg and is easily accessible on foot, with informative plaques posted at the location. Annual commemorative ceremonies take place on November 11th, which means the atmosphere feels different on that date.

The two dying sons in the sculpture are positioned so their hands reach toward each other as if they are shaking hands across death. This detail was deliberately designed to convey a message of brotherhood between former enemies.

Location: Strasbourg

Inception: 1936

Creator: Léon-Ernest Drivier

GPS coordinates: 48.58730,7.75398

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:05