Prussia Columns, Historic monuments in Putbus, Germany
The Prussia Columns are two stone monuments on the southeast coast of Rügen Island that originally rose over 50 feet (15 meters) high and stood on an elevated location overlooking the water. Both structures consist of locally quarried stone and feature detailed architectural designs created by a prominent Berlin architect and sculptor.
A king ordered construction of these two columns starting in 1854 to commemorate a military conflict that took place in this region. The monuments were dismantled in the 1990s and transported for restoration work to preserve them.
The columns bear inscriptions that reference Prussian military history and serve as landmarks visitors encounter while exploring Rügen's southern coast. They function as stone markers in the landscape, shaping how people experience this coastal area.
The columns are located on the south side of Rügen and can be easily reached from the nearby coastal town. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear since the ground can be uneven, and the view of the water is best enjoyed from close by.
Surprisingly, the two columns were completed in different years, with the second one dedicated on a special anniversary of the king. This timing was deliberately planned to make the inauguration date historically significant.
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