Imperia

Public artwork·KonstanzMentioned by Atlas Obscura

In the coverage1 story

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…

A nine-meter courtesan that spins, sculpted by Peter Lenk

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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More sights in KonstanzLake Constance
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