Background

Mahnmal Koblenz: A sombering memorial

A poignant memorial in Koblenz honoring the victims of National Socialism, urging reflection on the past and commitment to a future of tolerance and justice for all.

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The Mahnmal für die Opfer des Nationalsozialismus in Koblenz (Memorial to the Victims of National Socialism in Koblenz) is a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed during the Nazi regime. Located on Reichenspergerplatz, it stands as a testament to the suffering endured by those persecuted in Koblenz and the surrounding region. The memorial features two sandstone blocks, split and surrounded by rusted steel, symbolizing the fractured state of society and the imprisonment of basic human rights. One stone bears the inscription "Gedenkt der Verfolgten, Geschundenen, Ermordeten 1933 – 1945" (Remember the persecuted, tormented, murdered 1933-1945), while the other displays excerpts from the first five articles of the German Basic Law, a powerful juxtaposition of past horrors and the promise of a just future. A visit here offers a moment for reflection and remembrance, urging visitors to confront the past and uphold the values of freedom and tolerance.

A brief summary to Mahnmal für die Opfer des Nationalsozialismus in Koblenz

  • Stresemannstraße 5, Koblenz, 56068, DE

Local tips

  • Visit on January 27th, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, for special commemorations and events.
  • Explore the Förderverein's website for extensive information on local victims and historical context.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through Koblenz's old town to appreciate the city's resilience.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Koblenz Hauptbahnhof (main train station), take bus lines 3/13, 8, 9, 358 or 46 to the 'Stadttheater' stop. The memorial is a short walk from the bus stop, located on Reichenspergerplatz, opposite the Oberlandesgericht (Higher Regional Court). A single bus fare is approximately €2.60.

  • Walking

    From Deutsches Eck, walk southwest along Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer, then turn left onto Schlossstraße. Continue onto Reichenspergerplatz. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Koblenz Hauptbahnhof to the Mahnmal will cost approximately €8-€12, depending on traffic. The journey takes around 5-10 minutes.

  • Parking

    If driving, parking is available in the Schloss-Tiefgarage or Görresplatz-Tiefgarage, both within a short walking distance of the memorial. Hourly parking rates are approximately €2.50, with daily maximums around €20.

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Discover more about Mahnmal für die Opfer des Nationalsozialismus in Koblenz

The Mahnmal für die Opfer des Nationalsozialismus in Koblenz, inaugurated in 2001, serves as a central memorial to the victims of National Socialism in Koblenz and the northern Rhineland-Palatinate region. More than just a monument, it is a place for reflection, remembrance, and a stark reminder of the consequences of intolerance and hatred. The memorial's location on Reichenspergerplatz is significant. Situated opposite the Higher Regional Court and near the site of the former Gestapo headquarters and prison, it stands in the heart of the city's historical and judicial district. This placement underscores the connection between the Nazi regime's systematic persecution and the institutions that enabled it. The memorial itself is a powerful and thought-provoking work of art created by sculptor Jürgen Waxweiler. It consists of two red sandstone blocks, each measuring 230 x 180 x 80 cm, that have been split apart. These fractured blocks are encircled by four rusted steel cage angles, creating a sense of confinement and unease. The rust-colored steel contrasts sharply with the red sandstone and the surrounding green lawn, further emphasizing the themes of destruction and decay. On the cut surface of one stone, facing the former headquarters of the Rhine Province, is inscribed the phrase "Gedenkt der Verfolgten, Geschundenen, Ermordeten 1933 – 1945." These words serve as a direct and unwavering call to remember the victims of Nazi persecution. The opposite stone, facing the park, bears the text of Articles 1 to 5 of the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany, which guarantee fundamental rights such as human dignity, freedom of expression, and equality before the law. This juxtaposition highlights the importance of upholding these rights to prevent such atrocities from ever happening again. The symbolism of the memorial is multifaceted. The split stones represent the fracturing of society under Nazi rule, the destruction of human lives, and the shattering of democratic values. The steel cages evoke the imprisonment, torture, and murder of countless individuals. The contrast between the rough, rusted steel and the smooth, inscribed sandstone symbolizes the conflict between barbarity and civilization. The Förderverein Mahnmal für die Opfer des Nationalsozialismus in Koblenz e.V. (Memorial Association for the Victims of National Socialism in Koblenz) played a crucial role in the creation of the memorial. Founded in 1996, the association tirelessly campaigned for its construction and continues to promote remembrance and education through various activities, including exhibitions, lectures, and the laying of Stolpersteine (stumbling stones) throughout the city. The memorial serves as a focal point for annual commemorations, particularly on January 27, the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. During these events, the community gathers to honor the victims of the Nazi regime and to reaffirm their commitment to fighting all forms of discrimination and extremism. Visiting the Mahnmal is a deeply moving experience. The starkness of the design, the weight of history, and the surrounding silence create an atmosphere of solemn reflection. It is a place to contemplate the fragility of democracy, the importance of human rights, and the enduring need to remember the past. Beyond the physical memorial, the Förderverein also maintains a comprehensive online memorial that documents the persecution and resistance during the Nazi era in Koblenz and the northern Rhineland-Palatinate region. This virtual memorial provides a wealth of information about individual victims, historical events, and the ongoing efforts to preserve the memory of the Holocaust. The Mahnmal für die Opfer des Nationalsozialismus in Koblenz is not just a local landmark; it is a universal symbol of remembrance and a powerful reminder of the importance of vigilance in the face of injustice. It is a place where visitors can connect with the past, reflect on the present, and commit to building a more just and equitable future for all. While visiting, take a moment to reflect on the individuals who suffered under the Nazi regime. Consider the importance of upholding democratic values and protecting human rights. Engage with the educational resources provided by the Förderverein to learn more about the history of the Holocaust and its impact on Koblenz and the surrounding region. The memorial is a place for quiet contemplation and remembrance. Please be respectful of the site and its significance.

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