Königsstuhl, Medieval election monument in Rhens, Germany
Königsstuhl is an octagonal two-story stone structure that rises above the Rhine Valley and served as a symbolic throne for royal ceremonies. The building displays a clear geometric form with stone elements that emphasize its role as a gathering place.
From 1273 onward, the site served as a meeting place for prince-electors to select German kings until the structure was destroyed in 1795 during the Napoleonic Wars. The current reconstruction was built in 1842 based on remnants and plans from the original building.
The site reminds visitors of the seven prince-electors who gathered here to make decisions about the empire's future. You can still sense the weight of those moments when powerful leaders chose their kings in this location.
The monument sits along the B9 road near Rhens and remains open year-round with no entrance fees required. Parking spaces are directly across from the site, making access straightforward for visitors.
The building was completely reconstructed after a long period as a ruin, with architect Johann Claudius von Lassaulx carefully following medieval precedents. This created a reconstruction that preserves historical authenticity while also reflecting the era in which it was rebuilt.
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