The central place in Darmstadt is the Luisenplatz with this 33 metre tall column supporting a bronze statue of Ludwig I, first Grand Duke of Hesse, erected in the middle of the 19th century. The people of Darmstadt call it Langer Lui, meaning Long Ludwig, on account of its size (or length).
Today it is surrounded by buildings erected after the second world war as the centre of Darmstadt was almost completely destroyed in one night in 1944. In the firestorm created by allied bombers approximately 11 ,000 to 12,500 of the inhabitants burned to death, and 66,000 to 70,000 were left homeless. The palace behind the column was erased and in its place is now a shopping mall.
Ludwig from the bottom and almost at eye level from a neighbouring multi-storey car park.
Linked to Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge: things that are long.
pictures imperfect blog 