Denkmal für den unbekannten Wehrmachtsdeserteur

The memorial dedicated to unknown Wehrmacht deserters features eight metal steles positioned within the fortress moat of Petersberg Citadel. Seven steles stand in formation while one deliberately separates from the group, creating a visual representation of individual defiance.

The Petersberg Citadel served as a Wehrmacht military court during World War II where soldiers faced execution for abandoning their posts. The installation was created in 1995 to commemorate those condemned to death and acknowledge their acts of dissent.

The memorial serves as a place where visitors reflect on the courage of those who refused to participate in a brutal regime. Today it stands as a symbol of individual resistance and moral choice during one of history's darkest periods.

The memorial is freely accessible in the fortress moat between the Leonhard and Philipp bastions. The location is easy to reach on foot and can be visited alongside other parts of the citadel during a single trip.

The artist created the memorial using recycled heating boilers, transforming industrial remnants into a powerful statement about human conscience. This unconventional material choice gives the work a striking quality that connects everyday objects to profound moral questions.

Location: Erfurt

Inception: 1995

Creator: Thomas Nicolai

GPS coordinates: 50.97830,11.02059

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:44