Germania NiederwaldMonument on the hill is the main attraction of Rüdesheim am Rhein. Itsconstruction started soon after the unification of the German states in theGerman Empire. It was built from 1877 to 1883. Sculptor Johannes Schilling isits author. The monument depicts Germany (or as they call it - Arminius) -enthroned woman allegorically symbolizing the strength and wisdom of the Germanpeople. The figure of Kaiser Wilhelm I and 133 German princes are depicted atthe pedestal.
Niederwalddenkmal is on a high hill of 225m. Its ownheight is 38 meters. Tourists sailing on the Rhine can see Arminius from adistance. Those who wish to examine it more closely can rise up the monument bycable car. During the times of the rise of the German national spirit, whichsometimes coming near to chauvinism, trips to Germania reminded a pilgrimage.