Max Monument, Passau
The Max Monument is a bronze statue erected between 1824 and 1828 in Passau's cathedral square that honors Bavaria's first King, Maximilian Joseph I. The monarch's regal attire and outstretched left arm, fondly seen as a "rain test," earned it the local name "rain tester." With a downward-pointing scepter, the king rests on a cuboid inscribed with "Charta Magna," symbolizing the 1818 Bavarian constitution, topped by the royal crown.
The monument was crafted by engraver Karl Gottfried Eichler, sculptor Christian Jorhan the Younger, and bell founder Georg Samassa. It emerged to honor King Max I Joseph's legacy on his 25th reign anniversary. Unveiled in 1828 after four years of effort, its inauguration on October 12th featured Mayor Joseph Unruh's celebratory speech.
Challenges arose for the Max Monument over time. Trees were removed in 1924 to enhance its view, sparking public protests. In 1961, police proposed its removal due to renovation plans for the square, but the city council's steadfast decision upheld the statue's historical importance.
The monument was crafted by engraver Karl Gottfried Eichler, sculptor Christian Jorhan the Younger, and bell founder Georg Samassa. It emerged to honor King Max I Joseph's legacy on his 25th reign anniversary. Unveiled in 1828 after four years of effort, its inauguration on October 12th featured Mayor Joseph Unruh's celebratory speech.
Challenges arose for the Max Monument over time. Trees were removed in 1924 to enhance its view, sparking public protests. In 1961, police proposed its removal due to renovation plans for the square, but the city council's steadfast decision upheld the statue's historical importance.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Passau. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The GPSmyCity App
Max Monument on Map
Sight Name: Max Monument
Sight Location: Passau, Germany (See walking tours in Passau)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Passau, Germany (See walking tours in Passau)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Passau, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Passau
Creating your own self-guided walk in Passau is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Passau Introduction Walking Tour
A charming German town nestled among the rolling hills of Lower Bavaria “between heaven and three rivers,” Passau is a city of natural beauty and religious pilgrimage.
Founded over 2,000 years ago, this is one of the oldest cities in Bavaria. Its history dates back to Roman times when it was a small colony known as "Batavis." The latter word translates from Latin as "for the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Founded over 2,000 years ago, this is one of the oldest cities in Bavaria. Its history dates back to Roman times when it was a small colony known as "Batavis." The latter word translates from Latin as "for the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles