Konstanz

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Atlas ObscuraDec 22, 2025

‘Imperia’ in Konstanz, Germany

At the mouth of Lake Constance (Bodensee), where the Rhine slips toward Switzerland, a nine-meter courtesan spins in slow defiance. Her name is Imperia, and she’s been turning — quite literally — since 1993. Sculpted by Peter Lenk, she rotates once every four minutes, balancing two tiny naked men in her hands: one crowned like an emperor, the other wearing a papal tiara. Both look foolish. Both…

4 things in this story
  • ImperiaPublic artworkA nine-meter courtesan that spins, sculpted by Peter Lenk
  • Council of ConstanceFestivalThis was the first ecumenical council convened in the Holy Roman Empire.
  • Lake ConstanceSightLake Constance refers to three bodies of water on the Rhine at the northern foot of the Alps: Upper Lake Constance…
  • La belle ImperiaPlaceBalzac's story that inspired the sculptor
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