Merkursäule, Historic column near Schillerplatz, Stuttgart, Germany
The Merkursäule is a historic column located near Schillerplatz in central Stuttgart, distinguished by its tall silhouette and gilded Mercury statue crowning the top. The structure combines structural design with artistic ornamentation and serves as a visual landmark in the street between Schillerplatz and Planie.
The structure was originally built in 1598 as a water tower for the palace gardens and underwent various transformations over the centuries. The gilded Mercury statue was added during renovations in the 1800s and has defined the monument's appearance ever since.
The column is named after Mercury, the Roman god of commerce, a fitting patron for the trading city of Stuttgart. Visitors can still admire the detailed craftsmanship of the capital, created by artist Wendel Dietterlin, which shows the skilled artistry of the Renaissance period.
The monument is situated in the central square at Schillerplatz 5, 70173 Stuttgart and is easily reached on foot from bus stations or the railway station. Access is free, and the location offers good viewing angles from multiple perspectives, especially when walking around the square.
The original Mercury statue was destroyed during World War II and was lost for many years before a bronze replica was installed in 1995 as a replacement. This history of destruction and restoration makes the column a symbol of Stuttgart's rebuilding and resilience.
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