The Niederwald Monument was erected between 1877 and 1883 according to plans by Johannes Schilling from Dresden, and is now very popular with visitors from all over the world as a tourist attraction. The monument stands an impressive 38 metres tall and was erected to symbolise the re-establishment of the German Empire following the end of the Franco-Prussian War in 1871. Weighing a mighty 32,000kg, the central figure of Germania holds the German Imperial Crown aloft in her raised right hand whilst resting the left on the Imperial word. The monument offers stunning views over the Rhine and Nahe valleys, and from here visitors can also enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides through Niederwald.