Equestrian statue of King Friedrich Wilhelm IV

The Middle Ages and architecture were beloved themes of King Friedrich Wilhelm IV. He dreamed of reconstructing medieval castles and palaces, such as Burg Stolzenfels on the Rhine, which had been a ruin since the 17th century. When visiting the construction site, a craftsman asked him, “What should the castle eventually look like?” The romantically inclined king replied, “Like in a fairy tale!” King Friedrich Wilhelm IV was regarded as a monarch more interested in creating an idealized, aesthetic world than in real political power.

Incidentally, Burg Stolzenfels was gifted to Friedrich Wilhelm IV in 1823 by the city of Koblenz and rebuilt in the Neo-Gothic style under the supervision of Karl Friedrich Schinkel and his student August Stüler from 1836 onwards. Furthermore, Friedrich Wilhelm IV promoted the construction and restoration of other castles and palaces in the Neo-Gothic style.

About the Significance: Friedrich Wilhelm IV.

Friedrich Wilhelm IV was seen as a patron of the arts and architecture. Besides his efforts regarding castles and palaces, he strongly supported the continuation of the construction of the Cologne Cathedral. However, his attempts to control the political and social changes of his time led to tensions and revolutions. After the Revolution of 1848/49, he had to agree to a constitutional monarchy, although he had previously tried to avoid reforms. This agreement greatly altered the power of the monarchy in Prussia.

Monument and Memorial

Today, his equestrian statue stands by the Hohenzollern Bridge, near the cathedral and the main train station. The monument is one of four that you can easily view along with the love locks on the Hohenzollern Bridge.

These bronze representations of Prussian figures, however, also caused publicly expressed discontent, and their presence in public spaces led to numerous debates – especially regarding the equestrian statue of Wilhelm II: remove it or let it remain? No one would erect monuments of these men today, but if they were removed from public spaces, they could no longer serve as a means of education or as memorials to reinforce modern values such as diversity and equality. Or could they? Why not continue this stimulating dialogue while strolling past three other monuments and the love locks on the Hohenzollern Bridge?

Brother of Wilhelm I., the First German Emperor

A brief return to the history of Friedrich Wilhelm IV. Since his marriage remained childless, after his death in 1861, his brother Wilhelm I. succeeded him as King of Prussia. Ten years later, after his victory in the Franco-Prussian War and the founding of the German Empire, he became the first German Emperor. His equestrian statue can also be viewed on the eastern side, on the right bank of the Rhine.

Equestrian Statue: Bronze on Granite

Sculptor Gustav Blaeser created the equestrian statue of Friedrich Wilhelm IV in bronze, depicting a majestic riding pose resting on a granite pedestal. Detailed depictions of the uniform and horse indicate high artistic quality. The renowned sculptor was known for his detailed and realistic works. Like the other equestrian statues of the rulers from the House of Hohenzollern, the monument represents the dynastic claims and significance of the Hohenzollerns in German history.

Hohenzollern: Dynasty Until 1918

It was not until the end of World War I that the Hohenzollerns ceased to be rulers in Germany and played no political role anymore. Prior to this, all kings and emperors who bore "Friedrich" in their names originated from their lineage. This includes Friedrich I, the first King of Prussia, Frederick William I, the Soldier King, Frederick the Great, and even the 99-day Emperor Friedrich III, up to the last German Emperor Wilhelm II, whose full name was Friedrich Wilhelm Viktor Albert of Prussia.

On the Hohenzollern Bridge, you can admire four of these rulers as equestrian statues – besides Friedrich Wilhelm IV, there are three others: the equestrian monument of Emperor Wilhelm II, Emperor Friedrich III, and Emperor Wilhelm I. Furthermore, the equestrian statue of King Friedrich Wilhelm III stands on Cologne's Heumarkt. Can you distinguish them all? If so, your knowledge of the Prussians is very advanced ...