Saint Barbara: Stolen and Forgotten – What is happening now in Plagwitz?

Saint Barbara: Stolen and Forgotten – What is happening now in Plagwitz?

The bronze sculpture of Saint Barbara in the Plagwitz district park has been missing since the end of November 2024. The statue, which stood 1.4 meters high and was a reminder of the area's industrial past, was apparently the victim of a well-planned theft. The granite base on which the statue stood shows signs of cutting, suggesting that the perpetrators used professional equipment, possibly a lifting platform. The city ruled out an official dismantling of the sculpture because no appropriate measures were taken. The statue is therefore considered stolen, reports the lvz.de.

Although the police completed the investigation and handed the case over to the public prosecutor, the perpetrators remained unknown. The theft case against unknown persons was discontinued on January 31st because there was no concrete evidence of the crime. LGH managing director Kai Thalmann reported isolated tips that were received after an MDR broadcast, but these were not helpful in solving the crime.

The meaning of the statue

The bronze sculpture, which was erected on the occasion of the Expo 2000 world exhibition, is not only a work of art, but also a symbol of the history of Plagwitz. They were reminiscent of the heyday of the metal and casting industry in the 19th century. The statue was created by the Lauchhammer art foundry and shows Saint Barbara with a crown, cape and long robe. Their artistic value is estimated at up to 10,000 euros, while the material value is around 9,000 euros.

The statue stands out for its details and history. The figure of Saint Barbara is also part of many mining museums, underlining her cultural significance. An official city spokesman confirmed the theft and that the case had been reported to the police, highlighting the seriousness of this act.

Outlook and possible reconstruction

Leipziger Gewerbehof GmbH (LGH), which is responsible for maintaining the district park, is planning to possibly re-erect the statue as part of the car park expansion. However, it is still unclear whether a 1:1 copy of the original statue will be created or whether a new design will be considered. Protective measures against future thefts are also being discussed within the LGH. However, there are no plans to permanently monitor the park.

Passers-by reacted differently to the statue's disappearance. Some expressed concerns and speculated about possible reasons, while others emphasized the need for the monument's return. The incident brought back memories of a series of thefts in Clarapark in 2023, in which valuable bronze objects were also stolen.

Overall, the situation surrounding Saint Barbara remains unclear, but the city of Leipzig and the LGH are aware of the importance of the statue and are considering steps to preserve the cultural heritage of Plagwitz. The discussion about the new statute could therefore represent an opportunity to revitalize the district and keep historical memories alive. You can find out more about this in an article on bild.de.