Türkenbefreiungsdenkmal in St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna, Memorial monument inside St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna, Austria
The Turkish liberation memorial in St. Stephen's Cathedral is a marble monument with detailed sculptures depicting various figures positioned within the cathedral's interior. The work features intricate carvings and representations integrated into the sacred space of the cathedral.
The monument was created in 1883 to commemorate the city's defense against Ottoman forces two centuries earlier. It underwent partial reconstruction following damage in 1945, with destroyed pieces later preserved in a museum.
The monument depicts female figures symbolizing protection and strength alongside representations of citizens and students. This blend of religious and secular imagery reflects how the city understood this moment in its shared history.
The monument is located within the cathedral interior and is accessible to visitors exploring the building. It is wise to allow time to examine the sculptures and details at a comfortable pace.
A large portion of the monument was damaged in 1945 when the cathedral's Pummerin bell tower collapsed. The rescued fragments can be viewed today in a Vienna museum, telling their own story of rebuilding and loss.
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