Herkules und Oktogon (Hessen Kassel Heritage)
How to find us:
- Street
- Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe
- Zip, City
- 34131 Kassel
- Country
- Germany
- Phone
- 0561 / 3 16 80-781
- Web
- http://www.heritage-kassel.de
- info@heritag-kassel.de
6 Euro, ermäßigt 4 Euro, Kinder bis 18 Jahre frei
Description
A giant hero who towers over all
In Greek mythology, the demigod Hercules was known for his heroic deeds. Over 300 years ago, Landgrave Charles chose him to symbolise his own sovereign power: he had a huge statue of Hercules erected high above Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, as he wanted it to be visible from a very long distance away. It is one of the oldest structures in the park and is now Kassel´s most famous landmark.
The entire Hercules monument is 70 metres high and consists of three parts. The water features start in the lowest, rock-type grotto construction. The grotto becomes an open "giant palace" with a large viewing platform that affords unparalleled views across the Bergpark and its more distant surroundings. Above this is a pyramid that supports the statue.
The Hercules played a major role in the Bergpark´s inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: it was considered to "constitute an expression of the ideals of absolutist Monarchy", and is the park´s most important landmark.