Hermannsdenkmal, Germanic monument in Teutoburg Forest, Germany
The Hermannsdenkmal is an iron monument in the Teutoburg Forest near Detmold, Germany, showing a warrior figure holding a sword and shield. The figure stands on a sandstone pedestal with Gothic arches and reaches a total height of around 53 meters (174 feet).
Construction began in 1838 following designs by architect Ernst von Bandel and was only completed in 1875 after German unification in 1871 released new funding. The monument commemorates the victory of Cherusci leader Arminius over Roman legions in 9 AD.
The name Hermann comes from the Latinized form Arminius, who became a folk hero figure from the 16th century onward. Visitors today mainly see the connection between iron craftsmanship and patriotic symbolism that was popular in the 19th century.
The climb follows a spiral staircase with 75 steps inside the pedestal that leads to an observation platform. The site sits on Grotenburg hill and can be reached on foot through forest paths or by car.
The sword tip points west toward the direction from which the Roman troops approached. On clear days, the observation point offers views of Köterberg, the highest peak in the Weser Uplands.
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