Saint George and the Dragon, Bronze equestrian statue in Nikolaiviertel, Germany
Saint George and the Dragon is a 5.50-metre bronze group on a reddish granite pedestal at the Spree bank in the Nikolaiviertel. George, in a cross-topped helmet, raises a sword in his right hand and holds a cross staff with banner in his left; his rearing horse is gripped in the chest by the winged dragon's claw.
Created by sculptor August Kiss in 1855, this bronze work initially occupied the courtyard of the Berlin Palace. Over time the sculpture was moved to its present location in Nikolaiviertel to make it accessible to the general public.
The statue shows Saint George on horseback with a cross-topped helmet, raising a sword and carrying a cross staff with banner as a field sign; the winged dragon rears and presses a claw into the horse's chest. August Kiss modelled the group from 1853, and his widow gave it to King Wilhelm I in 1865.
The monument sits near Berlin's oldest church and is easily reached on foot from surrounding streets. Its open location allows you to view the sculpture from multiple angles, and the square offers room to stand and appreciate it from different distances.
The sculpture shows artistic features that bridge different stylistic periods in Berlin's art history, reflecting the creative approach of its time. A major restoration in 2010 carefully preserved the surface textures and details that remain true to the original design.
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