Monopteros Temple with View of the Rhine

In the 18th century, more precisely in 1788, Karl Maximilian Graf von Ostein had a monopteros built on the Niederwald above Rüdesheim am Rhein, which became part of his newly created park. Even back then, his often important guests were thrilled by the magnificent view of the Rhine. Even today, the view from the Niederwaldtempel conveys pure Rhine romanticism. The wonderful view to the south shows the Rhine Valley in all its magnificence and distinctiveness at any time of the year.

"From the Monopteros in the Niederwald, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe admired the "extremely magnificent beauty of the Rheingau" - that was in the late summer of 1814. At that time, the Greek round temple stood in the middle of a landscape park that Count von Ostein had created. The original was destroyed in 1944 and at the beginning of the Rebuilt in the 21st century, so that visitors can now enjoy the view over the Middle Rhine Valley from the Monopteros again. The region has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002. The unique combination of nature and culture is considered particularly worthy of protection.
Not far from the Monopteros, the huge Germania looks towards France. It rises twelve and a half meters from the top base of the Niederwald Monument and weighs 32 tons. Clara, the daughter of the sculptor Johannes Schilling, was the model for the imposing figure, which is intended to commemorate the Franco-Prussian War and the unification of the empire. The bronze statue holds an imperial crown in its right hand, while the left rests on the pommel of a resting sword, which is entwined with laurel as a sign of victory. The dress of Germania is also rich in symbols: eagles, deer, ravens and dragons are reminiscent of old legends, the imperial eagle is considered a symbol of the German Empire. At Germania's feet you can read: "In memory of the unanimous, victorious uprising of the German people and the re-establishment of the German Empire 1870-87".
The idea of erecting a monument to the merger of the previously loose alliance of independent principalities had already emerged in 1870. It was quickly agreed that it had to be on the Rhine because the river plays a central role in German history and culture - not least as a border with France, which had ruled on the opposite bank of the Rhine. The location was chosen in the Niederwald near Rüdesheim, located around 80 meters above the river."
kultur-in-hessen.de/projekte/totalkunstwerk-am-rhein-niederwalddenkmal-ruedesheim-teil-1

Great photo opportunity and also a nice place to get married.