The Price of War - Stuttgart's Birkenkopf

War is a terrible thing.  Whether justified, unprovoked, for religious or for political reasons, war is a very terrible, yet unfortunately common thing.

In an effort to remember the fallen and also as a reminder to make war the last resort, monuments and memorials are prevalent in the western world.  I can think of several dozen just here in the Richmond-metro area, yet perhaps one of the most interesting monuments I've ever visited was the Birkenkopf just outside of Stuttgart, Germany.

View of Stuttgart from the Birkenkopf.

Measuring at 511 meters and easily the highest point in the area, the Birkenkopf (roughly translated as "birch head" probably due to the trees) differs from other hills in that it is not wholly natural.  The Birkenkopf grew nearly 40 meters in height after World War II when the rubble from Stuttgart was carted to the top of the hill.  Allied bombers destroyed 45% of the city (including almost all the city center), necessitating reconstruction after the war.  As one walks around the summit, you can see the remnants of beautiful carvings, plumbing, columns, and other indicators that the rubble once adorned more than just a hillside.

A cross marks the highest point of Birkenkopf, and a plaque stands by with the admonition: "This mountain piled up after World War II from the rubble of the city stands as a memorial to the victims and a warning to the living."  (translation)

The walk up to the summit is not arduous and affords wonderful views of Stuttgart.  On clear days, you can even see as far west as the Black Forest.  Although not the biggest attraction in Stuttgart, the Birkenkopf touched me with its solemnity and insight into the brick-and-mortar price of war. 

Have you visited the Birkenkopf?  What monuments or memorials have you visited that moved you?

Linking up with Bonnie and other travel bloggers for #TravelTuesday!