Störtebeker, Bronze statue in Hamburg-Mitte, Germany
Störtebeker is a bronze sculpture standing on Magdeburger Straße in front of the Maritime Museum. The roughly two-ton figure depicts a naked, bound man standing upright.
The memorial was erected in 1982 to commemorate a pirate executed in Hamburg in 1401. Installing this statue was a deliberate choice to honor a controversial historical figure in the city center.
The inscription on the pedestal reflects how the city views a condemned pirate as a folk hero. This representation shows how people sometimes admire rule-breakers, especially those who challenged powerful institutions.
The site is easy to reach on foot and lies within walking distance of other museums and attractions. Access is accessible for everyone, including visitors with mobility needs.
The inscription 'Gottes Freund und aller Welt Feind' comes from a phrase medieval pirates used. These words are often overlooked even though they offer insight into how these seafarers saw themselves.
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