Atlas Statue at Schloss Harkotten

The impressive Atlas (Telamon) was created in 1729 as a name day gift for the wife of Baron Goswin Lübbert von Ketteler. It overlooks the Herrkotten von Ketteler Castle. Legend has it that the foundation for this larger than life statue was completed on the evening before her name day. The next morning, the Baroness looked out of her bedroom window and was overwhelmed by the majestic sight that towered 500 meters away in front of the hunting lodge.In Greek mythology, Atlas is a Titan who was condemned by Zeus to carry the world on his shoulders. Another story tells that he watched the nymphs who were having a blast playing with the globe. When they passed the globe to him and laughed, his eternal fate began.The path leads from the border crossing route into the forest on the left just before the road. You also have to cycle back. If there is oncoming traffic, dismounting is a MUST. Crossing the property on the street is prohibited (private property)

Interesting statue... this was erected at night in the past as a birthday surprise for the Baroness.