Düsseldorf's Stadterhebungs-Monument was created in 1988 for the city's 700th year jubilee. The work of sculptor Bert Gerresheim, it commemorates the history of Dusseldorf beginning with the Battle of Worringen in 1288.
The battle was fought for the possession of the duchy of Limburg, and was one of the largest battles in Europe in the Middle Ages, said to have claimed more than 1100 lives.
It led to the granting of Düsseldorf's town charter and to its acceptance as an independent city.
BIZARRE AND DISTURBING
To some, the monument appears confusing - even bizarre and disturbing, since images of death and battle abound.
But once understood, the sculpture's message becomes clear.
It was designed to be read from left to right like a book and the tale is one of a great city grown from terrible conflict: the helmets and breast plates are a reminder of the savage battle for independence; the proud lion positioned next to a market cart, symbolizes the city's fierce determination to guard its market rights acquired in 1288..
Visitors to the city can obtain a brochure containing a comprehensive explanation of the monument as well as guides to Dusseldorf's wealth of fine art and sculpture.
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