Reiterdenkmal Friedrich Franz II.

The Reiterdenkmal Friedrich Franz II. is a bronze statue of a grand duke on horseback standing atop a marble pedestal surrounded by four allegorical figures representing strength, justice, wisdom, and faith. The pedestal is decorated with reliefs and inscriptions that document important events from the ruler's life.

The monument was commissioned after Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II. died in 1883 and was built through public donations. It was unveiled in 1893 with Emperor Wilhelm II. in attendance and has since become one of the city's important landmarks.

The inscriptions on the pedestal show important moments from the grand duke's life, including the founding of Rostock University and his ceremonial entry into Schwerin. These details tell visitors how he was honored and what he meant to the region.

The monument stands in Schwerin's Castle Garden and is easily accessible from the city center. The location offers enough space to walk around and view the monument from different angles.

The monument is the only surviving historical equestrian statue in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and survived both world wars without damage. It owed its preservation to its status as ducal property, which protected it from destruction.