German Bird Memorial, Chania

The German Bird Memorial was erected in 1941 by German occupation forces to honor the paratroopers who died during the ten-day Battle of Crete. The Cretans came to call it the "German Bird" or more ominously, the "Evil Bird".

Originally, the structure featured a tall pedestal built of stone blocks, topped with a concrete eagle in a diving posture-a replica of the Luftwaffe paratrooper insignia-clutching a swastika between its talons. This striking silhouette was accessed via a series of stone steps ascending to the small hill upon which it stood.

After Crete's liberation, the swastika was quickly concealed with cement. The memorial remained largely intact until a severe storm in November 2000 toppled the eagle. Today, the pedestal stands derelict, frequently defaced with graffiti, and has sparked ongoing debates about whether it should be restored or removed entirely.

This monument has transcended its original function as a wartime tribute to become a complex emotional landmark: a physical reminder of conflict, occupation, and memory in post-war Crete. Despite its controversial origins, it remains a tangible touchstone for reflection on the island’s turbulent past.