A couple sits on a staircase overlooking the gardens with a stream and trees in the background. The man is bald and wears a grey T-shirt, the woman has short hair and wears a white blouse.

Monuments, fountains & historical buildings

In Kleve, history is everywhere you look. Monuments and sculptures scattered throughout the city commemorate important figures, events, and eras. Some are impressive and monumental, others quiet and hidden – each tells its own story.

Whether you stroll along the gardens, wander through the city center or discover new favorite spots: Kleve's monuments invite you to pause, marvel and delve deeper into the city's past.

Fountain in Kleve

Fountains in Kleve are more than just decorative elements in the cityscape – they tell stories, evoke memories, and reflect the city's cultural life. They shape the city's identity and make history and tradition visible. Through the evaporation of the water, they are often designated as "cooling spots" that contribute to the quality of public spaces and are popular leisure destinations. Two particularly noteworthy examples are the Elsa Fountain at the fish market and the Fools' Fountain near the Collegiate Church.

Fools' Fountain Elsabrunnen
Water-spouting heads on stone columns are the trademark of the Fools' Fountain.

collegiate Church

The Collegiate Church of St. Mary's Assumption is the most important church building in Kleve. It is a place where history, faith, and culture come together in an impressive way. With its striking tower, it has shaped the cityscape for centuries. Whether in quiet contemplation or exploring artistic details, this impressive example of late Gothic architecture offers space for both discovery and reflection. A visit is worthwhile – not only for history buffs, but for everyone who seeks the extraordinary in the everyday.

Further information
Interior view of the collegiate church with pillars, arches and altar.

Old Mill Donsbrüggen

The mill in Donsbrüggen is a piece of regional milling history – a place where tradition is palpable. Majestically perched atop its hill, it evokes times when millers harnessed the energy of nature to produce fine flour for breadmaking from hard grains. Guided tours and events bring this ancient craft to life.

Further information
An old mill with a grey stone building and four large, movable sails. Garden furniture and a statue are visible in the foreground.

British War Cemetery

Between Kleve and the Dutch town of Gennep lies the British War Cemetery in the Reichswald forest – the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in Germany. More than 7.600 soldiers who lost their lives in the Second World War rest here. The cemetery is not only a place of remembrance, but also a silent testament to peace and reconciliation in Europe. Visitors to the Reichswald forest sense the special atmosphere of this place – tranquil, dignified, and impressively maintained. Walkers, history enthusiasts, and tourists alike find here a place of reflection that brings history to life. The war cemetery also holds special significance for the region: it symbolizes international solidarity, attracts visitors from many countries, and is part of the cultural heritage of the Lower Rhine.

Further information
White gravestones in the British War Cemetery on a green meadow, trees in the background

Monuments, fountains & historical buildings at a glance

Iron Man, figure wearing a white shirt and black trousers The New Iron Man
Bronze sculpture of a boy wearing a cap, splashing water from his mouth. In the background, flowering plants and a blurred landscape. Shoemaker
Sculpture of a dead warrior, lying on a pedestal, surrounded by trees and with a church in the background. The warrior wears armor and has a serious expression. Dead Warrior
Memorial to Johanna Sebus, grey stone with a round medallion and stars, surrounded by a semicircular bench made of concrete, trees in the background. The Johanna Sebus Monument
The Great Elector Frederick William as a bronze statue on a stone pedestal. Two women gaze at the monument of the Great Elector. Trees and other buildings are in the background. The Great Elector
Memorial at the synagogue square with a piece of brick wall, a Star of David sculpture and a wall with candle holders. Synagogue Square
Bronze statue by Karl Leisner, standing in the foreground. In the background, the collegiate church with red bricks and a tall church tower. Blessed Karl Leisner
A bronze sculpture group in the Elsa Fountain depicts a woman holding two children by the hands while an angel embraces her. Cafes and trees are visible in the background. Elsabrunnen
Water-spouting heads on stone columns are the trademark of the Fools' Fountain. Fools' Fountain
Facade of the collegiate church with two tall, pointed towers, brickwork and a large, Gothic window in the middle. The collegiate church
Interior view of the Minorite Church with an altar made of grey stone, wooden sculptures on the walls, a large, colorful glass window front and a plant arrangement on a table. The Minorite Church
Exterior view of the small Protestant church on Böllenstege with a tower on the roof Small Protestant Church
The old Griethausen railway bridge is a tall, metal truss bridge spanning a tranquil river. Its silhouette is reflected in the water. Railway bridge
A brick observation tower with a rounded top and antennas, surrounded by large, round trees. A cloudy sky can be seen in the background. Kleve observation tower
Two old, partially dilapidated walls with several black containers on top, surrounded by autumnal trees with colorful foliage. Moritz's grave
Jewish cemetery with grass as a base and Schwanenburg Castle in the background Jewish cemetery
FAQ

Any Questions?

Discover Kleve's monuments: Historical sculptures and memorials tell of the city's eventful history – ideal for walks and city tours.

This fountain is called the Elsa Fountain and is located in the heart of Kleve's city center on Große Straße.

In the Kleve districts are the Johanna Sebus monument in Wardhausen, the Griethausen railway bridge, the old mill in Donsbrüggen and the British war cemetery in Reichswalde.

This is the collegiate church.