German Bird Memorial, Chania
The Fallschirmj盲ger memorial is a German war memorial for German parachutists who fell during the ten-day Battle of Crete in World War II. The memorial, known to Cretans as the German bird or the Evil bird, was erected in 1941 by the occupation forces and is located about three kilometers west of Chania on the road to Agii Apostoli.
The invasion of Crete in May 1941 was the first major airborne assault in history. Despite their victory, the elite German paratroopers suffered such heavy losses that Adolf Hitler forbade further airborne operations of such large scale for the rest of the war. The memorial was erected at the end of a stone staircase leading to the top of a small hill. It consisted of a tall pedestal built from stone blocks, atop which stood a concrete diving eagle gripping a swastika in its talons.
Originally in the countryside, Germaniko pouli is today encompassed by dense urban buildings and has lent its name to the surrounding area. Apart from the swastika which was covered with cement soon after the liberation of Crete, the memorial stood more or less intact until the early 2000s. In the winter of 2001, a storm demolished most of the eagle's body. Today, the pedestal and its inscription are in a derelict state and mostly covered with graffiti. There were some discussions and controversy whether it should be restored or demolished. However, in the summer of 2018, the memorial was taken down due to frequent outrage expressed by tourists.
The invasion of Crete in May 1941 was the first major airborne assault in history. Despite their victory, the elite German paratroopers suffered such heavy losses that Adolf Hitler forbade further airborne operations of such large scale for the rest of the war. The memorial was erected at the end of a stone staircase leading to the top of a small hill. It consisted of a tall pedestal built from stone blocks, atop which stood a concrete diving eagle gripping a swastika in its talons.
Originally in the countryside, Germaniko pouli is today encompassed by dense urban buildings and has lent its name to the surrounding area. Apart from the swastika which was covered with cement soon after the liberation of Crete, the memorial stood more or less intact until the early 2000s. In the winter of 2001, a storm demolished most of the eagle's body. Today, the pedestal and its inscription are in a derelict state and mostly covered with graffiti. There were some discussions and controversy whether it should be restored or demolished. However, in the summer of 2018, the memorial was taken down due to frequent outrage expressed by tourists.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
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German Bird Memorial on Map
Sight Name: German Bird Memorial
Sight Location: Chania, Greece (See walking tours in Chania)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Chania, Greece (See walking tours in Chania)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Chania, Greece
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Chania Introduction Walking Tour
The Dorians arrived in Crete circa 1100 BC. Before then, there was a Minoan settlement called Kydonia. Its remains was excavated in today's city of Chania.
In 69 BC Roman Consul Caecilius Metellus conquered the city. In 395, the Byzantines took over, replaced by Arabs in 824. The Byzantines returned in 961. Enter the Venetians in 1252. The ever ubiquitous Ottomans took the reins in 1645.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
In 69 BC Roman Consul Caecilius Metellus conquered the city. In 395, the Byzantines took over, replaced by Arabs in 824. The Byzantines returned in 961. Enter the Venetians in 1252. The ever ubiquitous Ottomans took the reins in 1645.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles