Kriegerdenkmal/Sektionskreuz Oberbeberich

DE

Kriegerdenkmal/Sektionskreuz Oberbeberich
Kriegerdenkmal/Sektionskreuz Oberbeberich
Location
DE
Category
heritage historic sites
Coordinates
51.2359743, 6.3893057
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

The Kriegerdenkmal, also known as the Sektionskreuz in Oberbeberich, serves as a solemn memorial dedicated to the casualties of the First World War. This heritage site is characterized by an oak wood crucifix, which stands as the central focus of the monument. The structure is supported by an altar base featuring a relief carved from shell limestone, a material often utilized in regional commemorative architecture for its durability and aesthetic integration with natural surroundings. Flanking the central elements is a brick wall, measuring 1.80 meters in height and 40 centimeters in width, which serves as the backdrop for five memorial tablets listing the names of the fallen soldiers from the community. For those interested in regional history and local attractions, this site offers a quiet space for reflection on the impact of the Great War on small German communities. Visitors are encouraged to explore the area during the morning or early afternoon to appreciate the craftsmanship of the relief and the somber, respectful atmosphere of the memorial. As you plan your trip, consider this site as part of your broader research into local war memorials; it provides a tangible connection to the historical narratives of the early 20th century. Please ensure you check the local weather forecast before visiting, as the site is situated in an open-air environment.

General information

The Kriegerdenkmal, also known as the Sektionskreuz in Oberbeberich, serves as a solemn memorial dedicated to the casualties of the First World War. This heritage site is characterized by an oak wood crucifix, which stands as the central focus of the monument. The structure is supported by an altar base featuring a relief carved from shell limestone, a material often utilized in regional commemorative architecture for its durability and aesthetic integration with natural surroundings. Flanking the central elements is a brick wall, measuring 1.80 meters in height and 40 centimeters in width, which serves as the backdrop for five memorial tablets listing the names of the fallen soldiers from the community. For those interested in regional history and local attractions, this site offers a quiet space for reflection on the impact of the Great War on small German communities. Visitors are encouraged to explore the area during the morning or early afternoon to appreciate the craftsmanship of the relief and the somber, respectful atmosphere of the memorial. As you plan your trip, consider this site as part of your broader research into local war memorials; it provides a tangible connection to the historical narratives of the early 20th century. Please ensure you check the local weather forecast before visiting, as the site is situated in an open-air environment.

Did you know

  • The monument features a crucifix carved from oak wood.
  • The altar base is decorated with a relief made of shell limestone.
  • The brick wall supporting the memorial tablets stands 1.80 meters tall.

History

The Kriegerdenkmal in Oberbeberich was erected to commemorate the local soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War (1914–1918). Following the conflict, many German communities commissioned memorials to honor the fallen and provide a place for collective mourning. The use of traditional materials like oak and shell limestone reflects the period's preference for local, enduring craftsmanship. The inclusion of five tablets suggests the scale of the loss experienced by this specific community, serving as a permanent historical record of the individuals who did not return from the front lines.

Cultural significance

This memorial functions as a site of collective memory, representing the profound sociological impact of the First World War on rural German populations. It serves as a focal point for remembrance, maintaining the names of the deceased within the public sphere of the community. Beyond its commemorative role, the site acts as an example of early 20th-century funerary and memorial art, illustrating how communities sought to sanctify the sacrifice of their citizens through religious symbolism, such as the crucifix, integrated with secular memorialization.

Geography and landscape

The monument is located in Oberbeberich, set within the local landscape to provide a contemplative space. The structure is an outdoor installation, utilizing a brick wall as its primary physical anchor. The surrounding terrain is characteristic of the rural or semi-rural environments where such memorials were typically placed to remain accessible to the local populace. The use of natural shell limestone and oak allows the monument to blend harmoniously with the regional topography, emphasizing its role as a grounded, permanent fixture of the local environment.

More facts

  • Imported from OSM batch

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