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Monument · Constança, Baden-Württemberg
Imperia
A nine-metre concrete statue at the end of the port jetty in Constança, by Peter Lenk (1993). It turns slowly and satirises the power of the emperor and the pope at the time of the Council.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Imperia
The Imperia stands at the end of the port jetty and is Constança’s most photographed symbol. The statue, by artist Peter Lenk, was installed in 1993: it is nine metres high, weighs 18 tonnes and rotates on a base, completing a turn in about four minutes during the day.
It represents a courtesan who holds, in each hand, a little naked man. One wears a crown and holds the imperial orb; the other wears the papal tiara. The piece is a satire of the Council of Constança (1414–1418), inspired by a story by Honoré de Balzac about a courtesan of the period.
At its unveiling the figure caused controversy, but it was eventually embraced by the city and is now protected as a cultural monument. Inside the base is an old lake-level measuring station, surrounded by a walkway.
From the jetty you can see the port, the Konzilgebäude, boats arriving from Meersburg and other towns and, on clear days, the mountains of Switzerland and Austria.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
15 to 20 minutes.
Best time
At dusk, with low light over the lake. The statue rotates during the day.
How to get there
It's at the end of the port jetty, about a 5-minute walk from Konstanz station.
Tip
Wait for the statue to complete a full rotation to see both sides. The classic photo is taken from the quay next to the Konzilgebäude.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Imperia
Who made the Imperia?
The artist Peter Lenk, who installed the statue in the harbor in 1993.
Who are the two little men in her hands?
One holds the imperial crown and orb, the other the pope's tiara. They satirically represent the political and religious power of the Council era.
Does the statue rotate all the time?
It turns during the day, completing one full rotation in about four minutes.