Memorial for the Murdered Sinti and Roma of Europe

Throughout your visit to Berlin, be prepared to come across numerous memorials dedicated to the various communities persecuted by the Nazi regime. Germany has taken on an unwavering duty of remembrance, which is particularly evident in Berlin—a city that bears the scars not only of the Nazi regime but also of the Cold War. As for the memorial on your right, it is dedicated to the Sinti and the Roma, often collectively referred to as “Romani travellers”. Though a less well-known tragedy of World War II, it is no less horrifying. Considered “racially inferior to Aryans,” they were deported and murdered as part of what the Third Reich called the “Final Solution,” which aimed for the total and systematic extermination of Jews, Roma, homosexuals, and people with disabilities. The memorial was designed by Israeli artist Dani Karavan and officially opened in 2012. It pays tribute to the 500,000 Sinti and Roma who were exterminated by the Nazis. The surrounding walls present a part of history that is often overlooked. At its center, a circular pool of water reflects the sky. It provides a peaceful space for contemplation and reflection to mourn the victims. In the middle of the pool, you can see a granite triangle. Each day, it goes beneath the surface and re-emerges with a fresh flower—symbolising life and ensuring that the memory of the victims never fades. The stones around the memorial bear the names of the concentration camps where the Sinti and Roma were sent to their deaths. The choice of engraving the text in the stone emphasises the eternal nature of remembrance. You will also find the poignant poem titled “Auschwitz”, written by Santino Spinelli, an Italian Roma poet and composer. It’s engraved in bronze letters around the edge of the pool in German, English, and Sinti. Here’s the English version: