Imperia Statue Konstanz
A striking, rotating statue in Konstanz harbor, symbolizing the Council of Constance with a provocative artistic statement.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Imperia Statue Konstanz
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking, rotating statue in Konstanz harbor, symbolizing the Council of Constance with a provocative artistic statement.
"The Imperia statue is the highlight of Konstanz, the statue is slowly turning around- 360 degrees."
🎯 Watch the Rotation
The Imperia statue slowly rotates 360 degrees every four minutes. Catch it in motion for a unique perspective!
📸 Best Photo Spots
Capture stunning shots from the boardwalk or even from a boat on the lake. Early mornings offer the best light.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Imperia Statue
Konstanz Harbor
A towering, rotating concrete statue of a woman, symbolizing the Council of Constance with a Pope and Emperor in her hands.
Konstanz Harbor Boardwalk
Adjacent to the Imperia Statue
A scenic boardwalk offering stunning views of the harbor, lake, and the Imperia statue, perfect for a stroll.
Lake Constance Views
Konstanz Harbor
Enjoy picturesque vistas of Lake Constance (Bodensee) from the harbor, with opportunities for boat tours.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds
Understanding the Imperia's Satirical Nature
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Watch the Rotation
The Imperia statue slowly rotates 360 degrees every four minutes. Catch it in motion for a unique perspective!
📸 Best Photo Spots
Capture stunning shots from the boardwalk or even from a boat on the lake. Early mornings offer the best light.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalk
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the harbor boardwalk, taking in the views and atmosphere.
🚢 Ferry Docking Area
The boardwalk is also an active ferry docking area, adding to the lively harbor scene.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Watch the Rotation
The Imperia statue slowly rotates 360 degrees every four minutes. Catch it in motion for a unique perspective!
📸 Best Photo Spots
Capture stunning shots from the boardwalk or even from a boat on the lake. Early mornings offer the best light.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalk
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the harbor boardwalk, taking in the views and atmosphere.
🚢 Ferry Docking Area
The boardwalk is also an active ferry docking area, adding to the lively harbor scene.
☕ Grab a Bite
Numerous restaurants and snack stands surround the harbor, perfect for a break.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Imperia Statue as a unique and memorable highlight of Konstanz, appreciating its rotating mechanism and artistic statement. The surrounding harbor area is lauded for its beautiful scenery, lively atmosphere, and convenient amenities like restaurants and ferry access. While generally well-received, the statue's artistic style can be polarizing, and the area can become quite crowded, especially on weekends.
"Imperia statue is the highlight of Konstanz, the statue is slowly turning around- 360 degrees. It’s nice to watch. In general the surrounding is amazing. Any time of the day, is enjoyable. But can be crowded over the weekend. Overall recommend it!"
Maria Achilleia
"Nice place to visit. The landscape was stunning and it'll be fantastic if you look around the spot by boat ! 👍🏼👍🏼"
MALGEUM KIM
"A stunning statue by the artist " Peter Lenk" raised in 1993 ,this statue represents a satire of the old council from konstanz ,if you look at here raised arms you will see 2 men each in her hands ,one represents pope Martin V with tiara and the other the emperor Sigismund , you might find it ugly ,I find it interesting ,it always rotates 360 ,and you can see it for yourself ,this place is almost always crowded so be careful !"
António Rocha
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Imperia Statue is located at the entrance of Konstanz harbor. It's easily accessible by foot from the city center. If arriving by train, it's a pleasant walk from Konstanz Hauptbahnhof (main station) towards the lakefront.
Parking in Konstanz can be challenging, especially near the harbor. It's recommended to use public parking garages like Parkhaus Marktstätte or Parkhaus am Bahnhof and walk to the statue.
Yes, Konstanz is very close to Switzerland and easily reachable. Many Swiss visitors come for shopping and attractions. Public transport links are good.
Walking along the boardwalk is ideal. For a different perspective, consider a boat tour on Lake Constance which often passes by the statue.
Absolutely! Konstanz offers a charming old town, the beautiful lake, and the iconic Imperia Statue, making it a perfect day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Imperia Statue is a public art installation located in the harbor and is free to view from the outside.
The statue is visible 24/7 as it's an outdoor landmark. However, the surrounding harbor area and businesses will have their own operating hours.
There is no entrance fee to access the Konstanz harbor area or the boardwalk where the Imperia Statue is located.
The Imperia Statue is a solid concrete sculpture and is not accessible for entry. Its primary purpose is as an artistic landmark.
While the statue itself is static art, the harbor area often hosts events, especially during summer. Check local listings for any special happenings.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons during the golden hour offer the best lighting for photography. Weekdays are less crowded, allowing for unobstructed shots.
Yes, the entire harbor area provides excellent photo opportunities. Capture the statue with the lake, boats, and the city skyline in the background.
Taking photos from a boat on Lake Constance offers a unique perspective of the Imperia Statue and the Konstanz skyline.
For the rotating statue, a slightly faster shutter speed can help freeze motion. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the statue and its surroundings.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local drone laws and any restrictions in the harbor area before flying a drone for aerial photography.
🎫 ℹ️ About the Statue
The Imperia Statue satirically commemorates the Council of Constance (1414-1418). It depicts a courtesan holding Pope Martin V and Emperor Sigismund, symbolizing the church's and state's power during that era.
The Imperia Statue was created by German artist Peter Lenk and was erected in 1993.
The concrete statue stands 9 meters (30 ft) high and weighs approximately 18 tons.
Yes, the statue stands on a pedestal that rotates around its axis once every four minutes, offering a 360-degree view.
It serves as a satirical reminder of the Council of Constance, a pivotal event in church history, and the complex relationships between religious and secular powers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers
Experiment with different angles from the boardwalk or consider a boat tour for unique perspectives of the statue against the expansive Lake Constance. 🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art and Satire of Imperia
The figure, a voluptuous courtesan, provocatively holds Pope Martin V (with his tiara) in one hand and Emperor Sigismund in the other. This imagery critiques the perceived corruption and moral ambiguity of the church and state leaders during that historical period. What makes the Imperia particularly captivating is its rotating pedestal. Every four minutes, the statue completes a full 360-degree turn, allowing visitors to appreciate its form from all angles and ensuring it remains a dynamic focal point in the harbor.
This constant movement adds an element of surprise and engagement, making it a memorable sight for all who visit. The artist's intention was to provoke thought and discussion about power, religion, and societal norms, making the Imperia a piece of art that continues to resonate. Many visitors find the statue striking and thought-provoking, even if its artistic style is not universally appreciated. Its prominent location at the harbor entrance ensures it's one of the first things people see, setting a unique tone for their visit to Konstanz.
Exploring Konstanz Harbor
Adjacent to the statue is a well-maintained boardwalk that stretches along the waterfront, providing a perfect promenade for visitors. This area is not just for sightseeing; it's a functional hub where ferries dock, connecting Konstanz with other lakeside towns and even across the border. Along the boardwalk, you'll find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and snack stands, offering everything from local German cuisine to quick bites. This makes the harbor an ideal spot to relax, enjoy a meal with a view, or simply grab an ice cream on a sunny day.
Whether you're arriving by ferry, enjoying a leisurely stroll, or simply admiring the Imperia Statue, the Konstanz Harbor offers a quintessential lakeside experience. It’s a place where art, history, and daily life converge, making it a highlight for any visitor to Konstanz.
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