The Niederwalddenkmal is a monument located in the Niederwald Landscape park, near Rüdesheim am Rhein in Hesse, Germany.
The monument was constructed to commemorate the foundation of the German Empire after the end of Franco-Prussian War.
The first stone of the Niederwalddenkmal was laid on September 16, 1871, by Wilhelm I. The sculptor selected for the creation of the monument was Johannes Schilling; the architect, Karl Weisbach.
The total cost of the works is estimated at one million golden marks. It was inaugurated on September 28, 1883. The 38 meter tall monument represents the union of all Germans.
The central figure is the 10.5 meter 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.
The monument's main inscription is engraved in the pedestal where the Germania statue is located: "ZUM ANDENKEN AN DIE EINMUETHIGE SIEGREICHE ERHEBUNG DES DEUTSCHEN VOLKES UND AN DIE WIEDERAUFRICHTUNG DES DEUTSCHEN REICHES 1870-1871." ("In memory of the unanimous victorious uprising of the German People and of the reinstitution of the German Empire 1870-1871"). The original idea by sculptor Johannes Schilling of the victory of the united German People was later adulterated into a more hostile interpretation against the "archenemy" France.
Visitors can reach the Niederwalddenkmal by gondola lift, from Rüdesheim to Niederwald, by the rack railway or by trails on foot.
