What’s more captivating than a nine-meter-tall woman holding two figures aloft? This, my friends, is the Bello Sculpture, also known as Imperia. It dominates the entrance to Konstanz harbor. One morning in 1993, the people of Konstanz awoke to a surprise. Sculptor Peter Lenk had, in a single night, erected this massive, rotating statue. The Bello Sculpture isn’t your typical historical monument. It’s based on Honoré de Balzac’s short story, “La Belle Impéria,” a satirical take on the Council of Constance held here from 1414 to 1418. The figures Imperia holds resemble Pope Martin V and Emperor Sigismund, key players in the council. They even wear the papal tiara and imperial crown. But Lenk insists they represent the folly of power, not the actual historical figures. This bold statement sparked controversy upon its unveiling. The city council initially objected. However, the statue stood on Deutsche Bundesbahn property, outside their jurisdiction, and the railway company welcomed the provocative artwork. Now, the Bello Sculpture is a beloved landmark. It rotates gracefully once every four minutes, thanks to a smooth-operating thrust bearing and an automatic lubrication system. It’s a constant reminder of the interplay of art, history, and satire in Konstanz.
Wegekapelle Wollmatingen
Hidden amongst the trees stands the Wegekapelle Wollmatingen. Its weathered stone whispers tales of centuries past. This unassuming chapel in