Hall of Liberation at Kelheim

The memorial commemorating the victorious battles against Napoleon in the Wars of Liberation in 1813-1815 was commissioned by King Ludwig I and begun by Friedrich Gärtner, who modelled it on centrally planned buildings from ancient Rome and the Italian Middle Ages. It was completed from modified plans in 1863 by Leo von Klenze.

The supporting buttresses of the façade are crowned by 18 monumental statues which are allegories of the German tribes. The number 18 also symbolizes the date of the Battle of the Nations at Leipzig (18.10.1813), when Napoleon's troops suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Coalition.

Interior

Inside the building, 34 monumental goddesses of victory made by Ludwig Schwanthaler in white Carrara marble join hands in a ceremonious round dance. Between them they hold 17 gilt shields that are said to have been made from the bronze of melted weapons. Since it soon became difficult to obtain the large marble blocks from Schlanders in Tyrol, only six figures could be made from this stone. The marble for the other 28 goddesses came from Carrara, and was transported to the Michelsberg primarily by water.

Virtual tour (as of 2010)

In this virtual tour you will experience the Hall of Liberation at Kelheim from a brand new perspective. The Panoramic shots (360 degrees) will present you phantastic views of the palace and the gardens. Please click on the picture below to start the virtual tour:

The panoramas or pictures to be loaded are rather large, and thus take a relatively long time to load. Please be patient – they are worth waiting for! The tour opens in a separate window and was prepared by Josef Spitzlberger, Oberschleißheim.

Live pictures of the Hall of Liberation you will find here:
www.webcams-in-kelheim.de

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