Niederwalddenkmal

Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany

Niederwalddenkmal monument was constructed to commemorate the foundation of the German Empire after the end of Franco-Prussian War. The first stone was laid on September 16, 1871, by Wilhelm I. The sculptor was Johannes Schilling, and the architect was Karl Weisbach. The total cost of the work is estimated at one million gold marks. It was inaugurated on September 28, 1883. The 38 metres tall monument represents the union of all Germans.

The central figure is the 10.5 metres tall Germania figure. In the sculptured impression, Germania holds the recovered crown of the emperor in the right hand and in the left the Imperial Sword. Beneath Germania is a large relief that shows emperor Wilhelm I riding a horse with nobility, the army commanders and soldiers. The relief has the Wacht am Rhein (Watch on the Rhine) lyrics engraved. On the left side of the monument is located the peace statue. The war statue is located on the right.

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Details

Founded: 1871
Category: Statues in Germany
Historical period: German Empire (Germany)

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Brenda (4 months ago)
This is a magnificent monument along the Rhine River in Germany. It has been made with tons of beautiful detail.
Jenn Blunstone (5 months ago)
I caught the funicular up to the monument, which takes around 10 minutes and is very reasonably priced (€10) and sedate. The short ride was well worth it for the amazing views and interesting notice boards at the top. There is a coffee shop near to the monument that serves drinks and snacks. The monument itself self is huge and photos don’t do it justice. Allow around an hour for your visit at least.
Kerstin Bernd-Striebeck (5 months ago)
Beautiful Monument, great area with nice walking trails. Timing gave us ripe grapes, just beautiful
Lucas Zhu (5 months ago)
Stunning view over the river Rhine and vineyards. The statue ? is very impressive too. You can take the cable car from Rudeshiem for 10 EUR return, or you can trek on the trail through the beautiful vineyards.
kana mk (6 months ago)
Impressive monument. Took the Ring tour for 10€. Seilbahn up to monument provides beautiful view of the Rüdesheim area and across the river with vineyards beneath. Hike after the monument through the forest, then the sesselbahn takes you down to Assmannshausen, from where a ferry takes you back to Rüdesheim, providing excellent view of vineyards, castles and ancient ruins from the Rhein river.
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