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Napoleonstein: A Silent Witness to History

Step back in time at Napoleonstein in Leipzig's Wilhelm Külz Park, where history and nature converge to commemorate a pivotal moment in the Napoleonic Wars.

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The Napoleonstein, a historical landmark nestled within Leipzig's Wilhelm Külz Park, marks the spot where Napoleon Bonaparte observed the Battle of Leipzig in 1813. This monument, erected in 1857, stands as a memorial to one of the most pivotal battles in European history. Surrounded by the tranquil greenery of the park, it offers visitors a serene space for reflection amidst nature. The stone itself, adorned with inscriptions and symbols, provides a tangible link to the past, inviting contemplation on the events that unfolded here. While overshadowed by the nearby Völkerschlachtdenkmal, the Napoleonstein offers a quieter, more intimate historical experience, attracting history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. It's a place where the echoes of the past resonate, inviting visitors to connect with a significant moment in European history within a peaceful setting.

A brief summary to Napoleonstein

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience and better lighting for photography.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through Wilhelm Külz Park to fully appreciate the serene environment.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy in the park after exploring the monument.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Leipzig city center (e.g., Hauptbahnhof), take tram line 15 towards 'Meusdorf'. Get off at the 'Völkerschlachtdenkmal' stop. From there, walk northwest along the Straße des 18. Oktober, then turn left into Wilhelm-Külz-Park. Continue through the park, following signs for Napoleonstein. The walk from the tram stop is approximately 10 minutes. A single tram ticket within Leipzig (zone 110) costs approximately €2.30.

  • Walking

    From the Völkerschlachtdenkmal, walk northwest into Wilhelm-Külz-Park. Follow the paved paths through the park, keeping an eye out for signs directing you towards Napoleonstein. The walk is a pleasant stroll of about 10 minutes, offering a chance to enjoy the park's greenery.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Leipzig city center (e.g., Markt) to Napoleonstein will take approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is between €8.75 and €9.90. Ask the driver to drop you off near the Wilhelm-Külz-Park entrance on Straße des 18. Oktober.

  • Driving

    If driving, use a GPS navigation system to Friedhofsweg 1, 04299 Leipzig. Note that parking directly at Napoleonstein is limited. Consider using the Park-and-Ride at Völkerschlachtdenkmal (free parking) and walking the final 10 minutes through Wilhelm-Külz-Park. Parking at Völkerschlachtdenkmal is free.

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Discover more about Napoleonstein

Napoleonstein, located in the Wilhelm Külz Park in Leipzig, is a monument commemorating Napoleon Bonaparte's presence during the Battle of Leipzig in October 1813. This battle, also known as the Battle of the Nations, was a decisive defeat for Napoleon and a major turning point in the Napoleonic Wars. The monument marks the spot where Napoleon is believed to have observed and directed the battle, particularly the fighting around Probstheida, on October 18th. Positioned on a rise called Marienhöhe, near Marienquelle, between the villages of Stötteritz, Probstheida, and Connewitz, it was once the site of Quandt's tobacco mill, which was destroyed during the fighting. Legend has it that Napoleon, after ordering the retreat, fell asleep on a field chair before leaving the hill under the cover of darkness. The Napoleonstein consists of a reddish granite block with a base and a top plate, resting on an earthen mound. Two opposite sides bear inscriptions: "Hier weilte Napoleon am 18. October 1813, die Kämpfe der Völkerschlacht beobachtend" (Here Napoleon stayed on October 18, 1813, observing the battles of the Battle of the Nations) and "Standort der ehemaligen Quandtschen Tabaksmühle, Befehlsstand Napoleons" (Location of the former Quandt's tobacco mill, Napoleon's command post). The latter inscription was added in 1953; before the 1940s, the inscription read: "Der Herr ist der rechte Kriegsmann, Herr ist sein Name" (The Lord is the right warrior, Lord is his name). Replicas of the Emperor's hat and telescope on a cushion, and formerly his sword, are placed on top of the stone. A fence with twelve columns surrounds the monument. Initially, in 1832, interested citizens erected a simple, uninscribed sandstone to commemorate the event. The current monument was erected by the Association for the Celebration of October 19 and inaugurated on October 25, 1857. It is the sixth of seven monuments erected by this association. Historical images show an unobstructed view from the site to the former battlefield and the city, as well as a small hut built in 1862 to house the monument's caretaker. Today, the surrounding park trees enclose the monument. The Wilhelm Külz Park, in which the Napoleonstein is located, is a park in southeastern Leipzig near the Völkerschlachtdenkmal. It is named after the liberal politician Wilhelm Külz (1875–1948). The park has an approximately triangular shape. Curving park paths connect the entire complex of meadows and groups of trees. The park also contains some historically interesting objects. In 1898, the foundation stone was laid for the Völkerschlachtdenkmal. To create an attractive environment for the monument, the construction of a park began north of the monument construction site in 1905. The planning for this came from the Leipzig garden director Carl Hampel (1849–1930). Meadows were laid out and groups of trees were planted. The section of Straße des 18. Oktober leading through the park was also created before its northern parts. The park was named Denkmalspark. The name Amselpark became popular among the population. In 1913, the northern part of the park was included in the International Building Exhibition 1913. This piece housed the so-called model village and the large amusement park of the exhibition with a water slide and dance palace. In 1931, an oval meadow surrounded by trees in the southwest tip of the park was named Carl-Hampel-Platz. In the meantime, in 1963, an exhibition pavilion “History of the Battle of the Nations 1813” was opened in the facility, which has now been renamed Wilhelm-Külz-Park, on An der Tabaksmühle street. After the exhibition moved to rooms in the Völkerschlachtdenkmal, the “Park Restaurant am Völkerschlachtdenkmal” was set up in the pavilion. Visiting the Napoleonstein offers a moment of reflection on a pivotal historical event. While the grand Völkerschlachtdenkmal nearby often steals the spotlight, the Napoleonstein provides a more intimate connection to the past. Stroll through Wilhelm Külz Park, enjoy the tranquility, and imagine the scene as Napoleon surveyed the battlefield from this very spot. The park itself offers a pleasant escape from the city, with walking paths and green spaces to explore. For those interested in delving deeper into the history of the Battle of Leipzig, consider visiting the Forum 1813 - Museum zur Völkerschlacht bei Leipzig, or exploring the Völkerschlachtdenkmal which provides a comprehensive overview of the battle and its significance. The Napoleonstein, however, remains a poignant reminder of the events that shaped Europe, offering a unique perspective within a peaceful park setting.

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