The statue is named after a fictional courtesan from an Honoré de Balzac story, though no historical evidence connects her to the actual Council of Constance.
It is the largest statue in the world depicting a woman with two men in her hands.
The rotating pedestal was a source of public controversy in the 1990s, with many locals initially labeling it an eyesore.
The two figures represent the secular and religious authorities that sought to influence the council.
The statue stands exactly at the harbor mouth, effectively acting as a beacon for ferries and boats entering the Konstanz port.
Imperia is a 9-meter-high concrete statue located at the entrance to the Konstanz harbor on Lake Constance. The sculpture depicts a woman holding two small figures, King Louis of Sicily and Pope Martin V, in her open palms. Created by sculptor Peter Lenk and unveiled in 1993, the statue is mounted on a pedestal that completes a full rotation every three minutes. It serves as a satirical commentary on the Council of Constance held between 1414 and 1418, referencing Balzac's short story 'La Belle Impéria'. The figures in her hands represent the temporal and spiritual powers that were present at the council, depicted in a state of undress to symbolize their earthly vulnerability. The statue is constructed from reinforced concrete and weighs approximately 18 tons. It remains a prominent landmark visible from both the German and Swiss sides of the harbor entrance.
From the water-level perspective at the tip of the pier, looking up at the statue against the sky.
Walk to the very end of the harbor pier to see the statue at eye level.
Visit during a light breeze to watch the statue rotate clearly against the backdrop of the Alps.
Check the harbor pier entrance during sunset for high-contrast photos against the lake.
Attempting to climb the pedestal or the statue itself, which is prohibited and dangerous.
