Where is Apelstein 9?

Apelstein 9 is located at coordinates 51.284694, 12.469333 near DE.

Apelstein 9

Location: DE
Category: heritage historic sites
Coordinates: 51.284694, 12.469333
Best time: Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip: Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

Apelstein 9 is a historical monument located in Liebertwolkwitz, a district of Leipzig, Germany. As one of the fifty-two 'Apelsteine' (Apel stones) erected in and around Leipzig, this site serves as a vital physical marker commemorating the events of the Battle of Leipzig in 1813. The monument is specifically dedicated to the actions of the French forces during the conflict. The front inscription identifies the presence of the Duke of Treviso, Édouard Mortier, who commanded two divisions of the Young Guard, totaling approximately 12,000 men. The reverse side of the stone bears the inscription 'Schlacht bei WACHAU am 16. October 1813', marking the intense combat that occurred at the Wachau front during the first day of the 'Battle of the Nations'. For those interested in military history and local heritage, exploring these monuments provides excellent trip ideas for understanding the scale of the Napoleonic Wars in Saxony. Visitors can expect a somber, educational experience while viewing the stone in its original landscape setting. It is one of many significant landmarks that offer a deeper look into the historical topography of the region, making it a point of interest for travelers mapping out historical attractions in the area.

General information

Did you know

The Apelsteine were commissioned by Theodor Apel, a Saxon writer and historian, in the 19th century to mark key positions during the Battle of Leipzig.
Apelstein 9 specifically commemorates the deployment of 12,000 soldiers under Marshal Édouard Mortier.
The stones are numbered to help visitors follow the tactical movements of the armies involved in the 1813 battle.

History

The monument was established as part of a series of markers designed to preserve the memory of the Battle of Leipzig, fought from October 16–19, 1813. This battle, often called the 'Battle of the Nations', was the largest conflict in Europe prior to World War I. Apelstein 9 marks the specific location of the French Young Guard under the command of Marshal Mortier on the opening day of the battle at Wachau. The stone serves as a primary source of historical geography, anchoring the narrative of the French defense against the Coalition forces in the southern sector of the battlefield.

Cultural significance

Apelstein 9 is part of a wider cultural landscape in Leipzig that honors the memory of the Napoleonic era. The stones are significant not only as war memorials but as symbols of 19th-century commemorative culture in Germany. By maintaining these markers, the region preserves the historical narrative of the liberation wars. They represent a collective effort to document the exact positions of military units, turning the rural landscape into an open-air historical record that continues to educate visitors on the strategic complexities of the 1813 conflict.

Geography and landscape

The monument is situated in Liebertwolkwitz, an area that was the epicenter of the heaviest fighting during the Battle of Wachau. The landscape is characterized by open fields and agricultural land, which provided the tactical visibility necessary for the artillery and infantry deployments in 1813. Today, the stone stands as a solitary, tangible anchor within the modern suburban and rural transition of the Leipzig periphery. The flat, expansive terrain remains largely representative of the battlefield's original topography, allowing visitors to visualize the vast scale of the troop movements that once occupied this space.