King Friedrich Wilhelm III equestrian statue

As Berlin increasingly grew into the Prussian metropolis during the 1830s, the King decided to take a stroll through the streets of the city incognito on a sunny spring day. Without royal pomp – and in simple attire. A royal procession was about to take place, and before he knew it, he found himself at a barrier set up for the event during his walk. A young policeman, who did not recognize the monarch, approached him briskly and politely, yet firmly, advised him to change his path.

"Do not worry, good man. I am the King," said Friedrich Wilhelm III. His voice was gentle, his smile mild. The policeman looked incredulous. Should he salute? Should he apologize? In the end, he just nodded politely – and let the King pass.

In the city, however, this anecdote quickly spread – and became a frequently cited example of Friedrich Wilhelm III's straightforward and humane manner. According to historical sources, he appeared modest and humorous. It is said that he was inclined to shun splendor and luxury, contrary to what was generally expected of a monarch.

A Monument for a Central Figure in Prussian History

The monumental equestrian statue to which you might look up on the Heumarkt in the old town of Cologne was erected for different reasons. Rather, Friedrich Wilhelm was honored for his historical significance as the King who led the Prussians through the Napoleonic Wars, for his reforms, and for the reconstruction and stabilization of the country.

Equestrian Statue of Imposing Size

King Friedrich Wilhelm III sits atop a horse as a statue on a concrete pedestal, surrounded by figures and reliefs cast in bronze. The lower concrete pedestal is clad in basalt. The dimensions of the monument are enormous, and at the time of its completion, it was among the largest figures worldwide: nearly 12 meters wide, the equestrian figure with horse reaching 6.90 meters, the surrounding high-relief figures about 2.50 meters high, and the middle and corner figures 2.70 meters. You certainly won't overlook it.

Monuments to the Fortunes of Germany – Subject of Current Debates

Equestrian statues as symbolic monuments were especially widespread in 19th-century Germany. They commemorate the deeds and leadership qualities of monarchs and military leaders, historical figures who shaped the fate of the nation. Following the Wars of Liberation against Napoleon, such equestrian statues gained importance. As historical artifacts that merge political messages with artistic expression, they not only define Cologne's cityscape today but also provoke often heated debates—especially regarding the public handling of the Prussian legacy, characterized by aggressive imperialism, militarism, and nationalism. These values stand in stark contrast to modern ideals such as cultural diversity, equality, and peace. In this context, some voices have called for the removal of equestrian statues. Currently, however, there is a tendency to repurpose such monuments as tools for engaging with the past—for fostering a nuanced culture of remembrance.

On the Hohenzollern Dynasty: Which Friedrich is Which?

Without being a historian, you might find it not so easy to distinguish between the German emperors and kings of the past centuries, except for the last German emperor. The name "Friedrich" appears exceptionally often. The last German Emperor before the Weimar Republic was Emperor Wilhelm II, with the full name Friedrich Wilhelm Viktor Albert of Prussia, from the House of Hohenzollern, after whom the Cologne Hohenzollern Bridge is also named.

The "Friedrichs" all came from the House of Hohenzollern, which produced several significant Prussian rulers. There was Friedrich I, the first King of Prussia in 1701. He was followed by Friedrich Wilhelm I, the "Soldier King." Friedrich the Great, also known as "Friedrich II," significantly shaped Prussia through military successes and reforms during his reign from 1740 to 1786. Finally, Friedrich Wilhelm III led Prussia through the Napoleonic Wars. It is precisely this Friedrich who is depicted by the equestrian statue here on the Heumarkt. He ruled Prussia from 1797 until his death in 1840.