Memorial Royal Atheneum Pitzemburg

Two memorial plaques relating to the First World War hang on the facade of the former home of the Commander of the German Order of Pitzemburg.

The commandery of the Teutonic Order of Pitzemburg was founded around 1200 during the Crusades in Palestine by the "Order of the Knights Hospitaller of Our Lady of the Germans in Jerusalem". The Grand Master, located in Mariënburg (Prussia), governed the various Grand Commanderies which were divided into commanderies.
Pitzemburg depended on the Grand Commandery of Koblenz and was located in a building on an extensive domain, located near the Bruul and the Fonteinbrug in Mechelen.
After its confiscation during the French Revolution, the building served as the residence of Archbishop de Roquelaure from 1802 to 1804.
In 1827, the domain was purchased by the city and in 1832 it was converted into a municipal college, originally governed by clergy. In 1881 it was taken over by the state and adapted as an atheneum.

The former commander's home with a classicist slant is still there, including the director's office.
To the right of the main entrance are the two memorial plaques relating to the First World War.
The plate with helmet is by Fauconnier, the second was sculpted by B. Tuerlinckx in 1921. Both bear the names of the victims.

The phrase "Dulce Pro Patria Mori" refers to an old Latin expression of the Roman poet Horace (Oden iii.2.13): "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori, translated: "It is a virtue and an honor to country to die."

Do you have more information about this location? Inform us!