Goldelse

Goldelse is the nickname given to a prominent monument located in the Viktoriapark in the Kreuzberg district of Berlin, Germany. Officially, the monument is known as the Nationaldenkmal für die Befreiungskriege, or the National Monument for the Wars of Liberation. It was erected between 1818 and 1821 to commemorate the Prussian and German victories against Napoleon Bonaparte during the Wars of Liberation (Befreiungskriege).

The monument is a neoclassical structure designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel. It is topped by a bronze statue of Germania, the personification of Germany, holding a laurel wreath. The statue is gilded, which is the source of its popular nickname "Goldelse," meaning "Golden Elizabeth." The statue itself was created by the sculptor Christian Daniel Rauch.

The Viktoriapark was created specifically to house this monument. The park, designed by Peter Joseph Lenné, features a waterfall and terraced gardens, offering panoramic views of the city. The National Monument and the surrounding park were intended to be a symbol of national pride and remembrance. Over time, Goldelse has become a beloved landmark in Berlin, attracting both tourists and locals who come to admire the monument and enjoy the scenic park. It stands as a significant historical and artistic piece within the urban landscape of Kreuzberg.