The sculpture of Empress Elisabeth (Sissi), the famous Austrian empress who became famous for her beauty and tragic life, is made of bronze and is 1.80 meters high, including the pedestal. The statue is located on the Boulevard de Favauge in Zandvoort and was unveiled in 2009. The Austrian sculptor Kitty Warnada created the statue as a tribute to Empress Elisabeth, who visited Zandvoort several times in the 19th century for physiotherapy. The statue is a striking symbol of the historical bond between Sissi and the seaside resort.
History of Sissi in Zandvoort
In 2004, the 700th anniversary of Zandvoort was celebrated, together with the 120th anniversary of Empress Elisabeth’s stay in the seaside resort. In 1884, Sissi and her staff stayed in the Zandvoort Grand Hotel Kaufmann for physiotherapy. She also returned in 1885 and stayed for four weeks in Villa Paula. Sissi enjoyed brisk walking along the beach and horse riding in the dunes of Zandvoort.
The original image (2004)
On the occasion of the anniversary, ‘de Strandkorrels’ donated a statue of Sissi to the municipality of Zandvoort. The original bust, made of concrete by the Austrian sculptor Hans Annerl, was unveiled on 28 August 2004. The unveiling was performed by the Ambassadors of Austria and Hungary, together with the Queen’s Commissioner and the mayor of Zandvoort. Musical star Pia Douwes (as Sissi) was also present, and the event was rounded off with a film screening from the Sissi film cycle and an exhibition in the Zandvoort library.
The new bronze statue (2009)
In 2009, the Rotary Club Zandvoort, in collaboration with the municipality of Zandvoort, decided to replace the concrete statue with a bronze version. Kitty Warnada was chosen to make the new bust, which depicts Sissi at the age of 46. The bronze statue was unveiled by mayor Niek Meijer and former mayor Rob van der Heijden, together with Pia Douwes. The statue was placed on the Boulevard de Favauge in the center of Zandvoort.
The heritage of Sissi in Zandvoort
The statue of Sissi is not only a work of art, but also a lasting reminder of the historical bond between Empress Elisabeth and Zandvoort. It remains an important symbol in the seaside resort, keeping her influence and stay alive. The work of art attracts visitors who appreciate both the historical value and the beauty of Sissi’s connection with Zandvoort.