Niederwald and the view

Overlooking the Rhein, is one of the most picturesque modern temples you might find, without slugging it up hills in Greece.

Built in 1790 by Graf von Ostein it became the source of inspiration for many great intellectuals during the Romantic era (the 19th Century) with visitors including Beethoven and Goethe. Standing in the middle of the rotunda and looking out, its easy to see why its such a place of inspiration. 

Sadly, bombs destroyed the temple in November 1944 ( like so much of Germany), but it was fully reconstructed about 10 years ago - which is why it looks so beautiful I guess now.

The main attraction for people here is the huge  Niederwald Monument. It was built  between 1877 and 1883 and stands an impressive 38 metres tall.

You can see it all along hte Rhein from the boats and from the roads for miles. It was erected to symbolise the re-establishment of the German Empire following the end of the Franco-Prussian War in 1871.  The main figure symbolises Germania who thrusts the German Imperial Crown up into the sky whilst resting the left on the Imperial word.

Bus loads of people are here all day, every day.

This is the view from the vantage point below the monument - overlooking the vineyards.