Völkerschlachtdenkmal (Monument to the Battle of the Nations), Leipzig (must see)

The Monument to the Battle of the Nations in Leipzig commemorates the 1813 Battle of Leipzig, also known as the Battle of the Nations. This pivotal conflict marked the defeat of Napoleon's French army by the coalition forces of Russia, Prussia, Austria, and Sweden, led by Tsar Alexander I of Russia and Karl Philipp, Prince of Schwarzenberg. It was a significant turning point in the War of the Sixth Coalition, pushing Europe closer to the end of hostilities. Notably, Germans fought on both sides, with some conscripted into Napoleon's forces from regions annexed by France.

Completed in 1913 to mark the battle's 100th anniversary, the monument was primarily funded by donations and contributions from the city of Leipzig, costing six million goldmarks. Standing 91 meters (299 feet) tall, it features over 500 steps leading to a viewing platform offering panoramic views of Leipzig and its surroundings. The monument's construction utilized extensive concrete with granite facings, and it is celebrated as a prime example of Wilhelmine architecture.

The monument is believed to stand on the site of some of the fiercest fighting, where Napoleon ordered his army's retreat. It later became a symbolic location during World War II, serving as the last stand for Nazi forces in Leipzig against advancing U.S. troops.