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.

References:

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User Reviews

Tricia Leo (20 months ago)
I went in Feb. It was very quiet with barely 10 other people there. But I loved it. No crowds. You have the whole place to yourself. I could hear the sounds from the city below and birds chirping. The view of the Rhine is amazing. The monument in incredibly detailed. It's amazing how they built that in 1870!

Ana Aguilar (2 years ago)
Wonderfully impressive.... Not quite as large as the statue of liberty but it reminded me of it. And the cable car on the way up there is a lovely adventure. Great sites of the river and surrounding towns.

Fiona Buckley (2 years ago)
Lovely cable car ride to the monument through the vines. Monument is huge!!! Its beautiful. As we visited in winter time the view was a little misty but non the less beautiful!

Lars Stanley (2 years ago)
This is a very nice statue to stop and see on the Rhein River. It was meant to symbolize peace between France and Germany. Very nice views to see from it as well. I always compared it to the statue of liberty, but it's not quite as big. Just as exciting to see!

Alexander Klein (2 years ago)
30min walk through lovely vineyards from carpark P2 in Rüdesheim up to the monument. Once you reached the top enjoy the stunning views. I'd say much better than the Lorelei. Great documentation of the monument and it's history. Give it an hour and before you leave have drink and enjoy the view one last time. If you fancy take the cable car back. Just €3 one-way for an adult and a great experience.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Maciek Lulko

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The Old Town Hall of Wrocław is one of the main landmarks of the city. The Old Town Hall's long history reflects developments that have taken place in the city since its initial construction. The town hall serves the city of Wroclaw and is used for civic and cultural events such as concerts held in its Great Hall. In addition, it houses a museum and a basement restaurant.

The town hall was developed over a period of about 250 years, from the end of 13th century to the middle of 16th century. The structure and floor plan changed over this extended period in response to the changing needs of the city. The exact date of the initial construction is not known. However, between 1299 and 1301 a single-storey structure with cellars and a tower called the consistory was built. The oldest parts of the current building, the Burghers’ Hall and the lower floors of the tower, may date to this time. In these early days the primary purpose of the building was trade rather than civic administration activities.

Between 1328 and 1333 an upper storey was added to include the Council room and the Aldermen’s room. Expansion continued during the 14th century with the addition of extra rooms, most notably the Court room. The building became a key location for the city’s commercial and administrative functions.

The 15th and 16th centuries were times of prosperity for Wroclaw as was reflected in the rapid development of the building during that period. The construction program gathered momentum, particularly from 1470 to 1510, when several rooms were added. The Burghers’ Hall was re-vaulted to take on its current shape, and the upper story began to take shape with the development of the Great Hall and the addition of the Treasury and Little Treasury.

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During the 19th century there were two major changes. The courts moved to a separate building, and the Rates became the site of the city council and supporting functions. There was also a major program of renovation because the building had been neglected and was covered with creeping vines. The town hall now has several en-Gothic features including some sculptural decoration from this period.

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