Birkenopf - Rubble Hill

My husband and I took a short ride to a place called Birkenopf –“Rubble Hill” also known as Monte Scherbelino to the locals.

We knew from previous research, the city of Stuttgart was bombed during the second world war and that the top of this hill was created from the rubble to serve as a memorial.

The following is from a memorial plaque at the site:

“Dieser Berg
Nach dem zqeiter weltkrieg
Aufgetürmtaus den
Trümmern der stadt
Steht
Den opfern zum gedachtnis
Den lebenden zur mahnüng”

With my limited Deutsche and using various sources for translating, the closest I can come to translating the above is:

“This mountain. After second world war the rising tower stands made of rubble and debris from the city. The sacrifices that were made is here to serve as a reminder for those living.” (I welcome comments for the correct translation.)

The hike to the top of Birkenopf was lovely. The path to the top was angled in varying degrees and proved to be “good exercise” for me! (heh-heh...my eternal quest for exercise!!!) The path took us through a small forest and offered many opportunities for “rest” stops, i.e., benches located at various points along the trail.

As we approached the final steps toward the top, we came quite suddenly upon the “rubble”. Such a sight! We saw large pieces of buildings, arches, etc. Some were carved and some were plain. Some appeared to be columns. With our “vivid” imagination(s), we could only speculate what type of structures this rubble came from. To think, this debris was from a building(s) or structure(s) where perhaps (more than likely), there were people living, working, strolling, sitting, sleeping, etcetera! Quel Dommage! We were in awe, to say the least!