Steilneset memorial for the victims of the witch trials is a poignant and thought-provoking memorial located in Vardø, Norway. It was created to commemorate the men and women who were accused of witchcraft and subsequently executed during the 17th-century witch trials. Designed by artist Louise Bourgeois and architect Peter Zumthor, the memorial consists of two structures: The Steilneset Memorial, which is a long, narrow building that resembles a fish rack, and the Burning House, a separate structure that represents the execution site. Inside the Steilneset Memorial, visitors can find a series of glass panels suspended from the ceiling. Each panel tells the story of one of the 91 individuals who were accused of witchcraft. The panels are illuminated with lights, creating an eerie and haunting atmosphere.
The witch monument in Vardø is in memory of the 91 witch trial victims
The Witches’ Memorial in Vardø takes us back to a gruesome period in European history and into the darkest recesses of the human mind. The Steilneset Memorial was erected in memory of 91 victims of the witch trials held in Finnmark during the 17th century.
The Steilneset Memorial, often called the “The Witches’ Memorial”, is a monument to 91 people who were burned as witches during the period of 1600 to 1692 in Vardø. The memorial consists of a building, designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, and the “Flammehuset” artwork featuring a sculpture by the Franco–American artist Louise Bourgeois.
The panels are illuminated with lights, creating an eerie and haunting atmosphere. The names of the accused and the details of their trials are etched onto the glass, allowing visitors to connect with their stories on a personal level. The Burning House, situated just outside the memorial building, is a symbolic representation of the atrocities that took place during the witch trials.
The witch trials were a European wide phenomenon
The witch trials were a pan-European phenomenon and, from the 15th century through to around 1750, up to 100,000 people were prosecuted or suspected of being witches, and maybe 40-50% of them were found guilty and burded as witches. Most of them were burned in Germany and Scotland. However, relative to the population, a large number were burned in Finnmark, perhaps more than anywhere else in the whole of Europe. The reasons for this are complex and not entirely clear. Perhaps the idea that some people were secretly working with the devil resonated more in remote fishing villages that experienced storms and bad weather. The witches came from both the Norwegian fishing villages and the Sami settlements. They were taken to Vardø for a summary trial. If there was any doubt as to the question of guilt, the suspect was thrown into the sea. If she floated, she was a witch. The water test was used in around a third of the trials held in Finnmark.
01: A hollow structure with memorial within: The witch memorial in Vardø ©Jarle Wæhler, Statens vegvesen 02: A striking memorial in a striking landscape © Fredrik Fløgstad / Statens vegvesen 03: Winter view of the memorial site © Helge Stikbakke / Statens vegvesen
It is a small structure made of dark wood, with a glass interior containing a dimly lit flame. The flame stands as a reminder of the innocent lives that were lost to superstition and prejudice. The Steilneset memorial invites visitors to reflect on the significance of the witch trials and the persecution of those accused of witchcraft. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria, fear, and intolerance. The memorial encourages visitors to confront uncomfortable aspects of history and to contemplate the devastating consequences of witch trials. Overall, the Steilneset memorial for the victims of the witch trials is a powerful and emotive tribute to those who suffered during the witch trials. It provides a space for remembrance, reflection, and a call for tolerance and justice..
Reviews for "The Steilneset memorial: A symbol of hope in the face of persecution"
1. John - 2/5
The Steilneset memorial for the victims of the witch trials did not leave a positive impression on me. While the concept of honoring the victims of such a dark chapter in history is commendable, the execution fell short. The memorial lacked clear and concise information about the trials and the individuals involved. Additionally, the design of the memorial felt disjointed and did not effectively convey the gravity of the events it aims to commemorate. Overall, it left me feeling underwhelmed and disconnected from the intended message.
2. Sarah - 3/5
I was excited to visit the Steilneset memorial, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. While the outdoor structure itself was visually striking, the overall experience was lacking. The information provided about the witch trials was limited and unclear, making it difficult to fully understand the significance of the memorial. Furthermore, the indoor exhibition lacked a cohesive narrative, leaving me feeling confused and disconnected from the history it was meant to represent. With some improvements in the presentation and information provided, this memorial could truly honor the victims of the witch trials in a more impactful way.