Bavaria Statue

The Hall of Fame and the Bavaria belong to a group of monuments built during the time of King Ludwig I. of Bavaria (reigned 1825-1848) to promote the image and standing of his kingdom. The columned hall in the Doric style built around a central statue was the winning design in a competition held in 1834, and was completed in 1853. Its architect was Leo von Klenze (1784-1864). Inside the hall are the busts of famous people who have rendered service to Bavaria, and new busts are still being added. The monumental figure is the most popular personification of Bavaria. With her wreath of oak leaves she symbolically crowns the famous personalities. The altogether 27.4 m high figure (including the base), with a staircase inside, is the largest bronze casting of modern times, rivalling the legendary colossal statues of antiquity. The "Bavaria" was cast by Ferdinand von Miller from a model by Ludwig Michael von Schwanthaler and erected in 1850, earning the royal foundry international acclaim.