We have arrived at the famous German landmark, Deutsches Eck, which means "German Corner." Located at the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers, it is one of the most symbolic places in the German city of Koblenz.<br> This area was originally the headquarters of the Teutonic Knights in the Middle Ages and has historical significance in both religious and military terms. By the end of the 19th century, the German Corner had gradually become a symbol of German unity.<br> The iconic landmark of the German Corner—the equestrian statue of Kaiser Wilhelm I—stands on a towering monument, symbolizing the unification of Germany. The wide, grand steps are a popular spot for tourists to take photos. The statue faces the Moselle River, with the Rhine River behind it, perfectly situated at the confluence of the two rivers. The flags surrounding the statue are those of Germany's federal states and the federal flag, symbolizing the unity and diversity of the German Federation.<br> Standing here, you can see the Moselle River slowly flowing into the mighty Rhine River on your right, symbolizing the fusion of strength and harmony. On the opposite hillside is the famous Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which you can visit by taking a cable car across the Rhine River.<br> Tourist information sign at the "German Corner" on the banks of the Rhine in Koblenz. The map shows important nearby attractions such as the German Corner monument, Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, and the aerial cable car station. Below the sign, there are recommendations for activities in German and English, such as city tours, wine tours, and Rhine river cruises. The picturesque confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. To the left is a riverside promenade with dining options and bicycle parking, while in the distance stands a church with twin towers. The entire photo captures the relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty of the Koblenz riverside, a quintessential tranquil scene of the "German Corner." Near the "Flag Avenue" of the German Corner, flags of various countries, including the American flag, are lined up along the Rhine River. In the distance, you can see large crowds of tourists and circular stone structures surrounding the monuments. This is a particularly symbolic section of the German Corner, representing the historical background of German unification and friendship. The towering equestrian statue is of William I, the first emperor of the German Empire. Standing 37 meters tall, the statue bears the inscription "Unity of Germany" on its base. It is not merely a sculpture but a symbol of German national unity. During World War II, the original statue was destroyed. During the Cold War, a German flag was erected here, symbolizing the hope for German reunification. The statue we see today was reconstructed in 1993, representing Germany's commitment to commemorating and preserving its history following reunification. Panoramic view of the Deutsches Eck<br> Located in the city of Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, this prominent promontory is one of Germany's most iconic historical landmarks. The Rhine River (Rhein) is on the left side of the image, and the Moselle River (Mosel) is on the right. The German Corner Monument (the equestrian statue on the central platform): Standing at the tip of the promontory, it serves as the spiritual heart of the entire area.<br> Cable cars: Several cable cars can be seen crossing the Rhine River, connecting the German Corner with the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress (Festung Ehrenbreitstein) on the opposite bank, offering visitors a spectacular aerial view. Boat dock: The dock near the promontory is home to sightseeing cruise ships and is one of the main stops on the Rhine River cruise.<br> Deutsches Eck (German Corner) on the Rhine River. The German Corner perfectly showcases: magnificent equestrian statues and historical monuments; the unique landscape where two rivers meet; the German flag, flags of multiple states, and the flags of the European Union and the United States, symbolizing openness and unity; and the tourist experience offered by modern cable cars and cruise ships. The German Corner embodies the intersection of German history, culture, geography, and international friendship. Tourists are visiting the Berlin Wall fragments on display, led by a tour guide. The tall concrete walls in the middle are part of the original Berlin Wall, and you can still see the mottled gray-white coating and rust marks from back then, giving it a strong sense of history. The Berlin Wall once symbolized the division of Germany and the entire world during the Cold War, but today, it stands as a testament to history, preserved here to remind people of the value of peace and unity.<br> Tourists listened attentively to the guide's explanations and stopped to take photos under the bright sunshine, demonstrating their keen interest in and respect for this period of history. This site is not only an important witness to Germany's modern history, but also a place of remembrance that inspires reflection on war and division, and the pursuit of peace and freedom.<br> Three walls displayed side by side may signify:<br> 1. Symbolizing division and isolation: Three walls are displayed side by side, giving the viewer a visual impression of "continuity and impenetrability," representing the strict isolation and oppression of the Berlin Wall between East and West Germany during the Cold War.<br> 2. Symbolizing "a divided Germany" and "a third force": Some interpret the design as follows: one piece represents East Germany (GDR); another represents West Germany (FRG); and the piece in the middle symbolizes the opposing forces of the Iron Curtain/Cold War world (such as the Soviet Union and the West) that stood between the two.<br> 3. Artistic and commemorative layout considerations: The display of the three walls forms a symmetrical and eye-catching focal point, suitable for educational and photographic exhibitions, allowing people to view, take photos, and reflect.<br> The German Corner was originally the site of a Prussian monument symbolizing German unity. After the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990, memorial facilities including the Berlin Wall were gradually added here to remind future generations not to forget history and to cherish unity. Therefore, the three sections of wall at this site have particularly profound historical and symbolic significance.<br><br> The building with the arched entrance in front of us is the Ludwig Museum, located in Koblenz, Germany, at the "German Corner." It is housed in the former site of the 13th-century knightly order, the "Deutschherrenhaus." The ancient stone walls and vine-covered exterior bear witness to the splendor of the Middle Ages, while today, the building has been transformed into a modern international contemporary art museum.<br> The museum was founded in 1992 and named after Peter Ludwig, a renowned German art patron who amassed a significant collection of important artworks from the second half of the 20th century to the present day. The museum's exhibitions encompass photography, painting, sculpture, and installation art, attracting art enthusiasts from around the world.<br> The abstract arc-shaped metal sculpture standing next to the entrance symbolizes "openness, inclusiveness, and the flow of time," forming a stark contrast with the fragments of the Berlin Wall and presenting a historical trajectory from division to reconciliation and from tradition to modernity.<br> Today, we are fortunate to be here in person, not only to experience the diverse charm of art, but also to gain a deeper understanding of Germany's cultural reconstruction and spiritual renewal in the aftermath of war.<br> This sculpture is titled "Le Pouce" (French for "thumb"), created by the renowned French surrealist sculptor César Baldaccini. He is known for his use of enlarged and reconfigured everyday objects in his work. This two-meter-tall thumb sculpture is one of his most iconic public art pieces, symbolizing human creativity, identity, and affirmation. The sculpture is situated on the square adjacent to the Ludwig Museum (a building with white walls and red windows), with the twin towers of the Basilica of St. Kastor (Basilika St. Kastor) visible in the background. The contrast between the ancient church and modern art highlights both historical depth and cultural fusion. This thumb is not merely an artwork; it is often seen by visitors as a gesture of "thumbs up" or "giving a thumbs-up blessing," conveying positive and optimistic emotions. Standing before it, why not give it a "👍" and give your journey a thumbs-up? This famous thumb sculpture, "Le Pouce" (The Thumb), was originally created by French sculptor César Baldaccini (1921–1998) in 1965. It is made of bronze, stainless steel, resin, and other materials. It is a work of Nouveau Réalisme (New Realism). This photo shows the famous Basilica of St. Castor in Koblenz, Germany, a thousand-year-old Romanesque building located in the picturesque and tranquil "German Corner" region. It is the oldest church in Koblenz and has served as an important site for religious and political activities. Features: twin towers, a semicircular apse, intricate stone carvings, ancient bells, and the surrounding garden setting.<br> The church in the photo is nestled among spring gardens, with neat tulip beds in front, highlighting the solemn harmony between the church and nature. The twin towers on the right side of the church rise high into the sky, a common design feature of medieval German churches. They have a strong visual appeal and are one of the landmarks of Koblenz.<br> Located along the banks of the Rhine River in Germany, the open-air restaurant named "Wacht am Rhein" (meaning "Guard the Rhine") is a charming German-style pub and restaurant. The entrance features a beautifully decorated floral archway adorned with red and white flower garlands, creating a warm and festive atmosphere that attracts many visitors to stop and take photos. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including pizza, salads, German pork knuckle, and beer platters, catering to the diverse tastes of visitors. At the indoor dining area of the "Wacht am Rhein (Rhine Watch)" restaurant along the Rhine River in Germany, several Chinese friends from different parts of the world gathered around a table, smiling broadly and making victory signs, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere filled with friendship. The table is laden with German specialties such as roasted pork knuckle, sausage platters, pasta, sauerkraut, and mashed potatoes, accompanied by juices and coffee, showcasing the fusion of Chinese and Western culinary cultures and the relaxed pace of travel life. The wooden decorations, antique wine bottles, and European-style ornaments in the background further enhance the authentic German rural charm. The landmark building of Koblenz, Germany—Ehrenbreitstein Fortress (Festung Ehrenbreitstein)! After lunch, we arrived at this magnificent fortress by Cable cars located on a high ground on the east bank of the Rhine River, echoing the "German Corner" on the opposite bank and overlooking the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers. Its geographical location is extremely important. It is not only a military site but also a condensed history of Europe.<br> "Allen Brightstein" was originally built around 1000 AD by the Archbishop of Trier as a medieval castle. It was an important stronghold for the church's control over the Rhine River basin. After undergoing expansion and destruction by war, it became a strategic location in the 17th and 18th centuries.<br><br> Reconstruction during the Prussian era: During the Napoleonic Wars (1799), local garrisons blew up the fortress to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. Between 1817 and 1828, the Kingdom of Prussia invested heavily in its reconstruction, transforming it into one of the most powerful mountain military fortresses in Europe at the time and an important part of the Rhine River defense line.<br> Today, the fortress no longer serves a military purpose but has been transformed into a large cultural and historical park. It houses several exhibition halls and museums, including the renowned Landesmuseum Koblenz, which showcases German history, Prussian military history, technology and craftsmanship, and contemporary art.<br><br> Today, Allen Brightstein is not only a national cultural heritage site in Germany, but also part of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley World Heritage Site. It bears witness to the historical transformation from a war fortress to a symbol of peace, and has become an important place for us to reflect on history and cherish peace.<br> A courtyard area of the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress (Festung Ehrenbreitstein), a famous historical site in Koblenz, Germany.<br> The center of the image shows a thick, sturdy stone wall structure with a typical defensive fortress style. The tall stone walls are dotted with many arched windows and gun ports, which were important defensive structures in the past. This is part of the Allenberg-Brightstein Fortress, the second largest military fortress in Europe.<br> In the center is a large archway leading to the interior, which is dark with stairs leading upward, possibly connecting to the interior exhibition halls or platforms of the fortress. The windows and small holes above the entrance are used for lighting and defense.<br> On the left, you can see two blue flags with the words "WeltReich – Geschichte über Grenzen," which means "World Empire – History Across Borders" in German, indicating that there is an exhibition here about world history or German influence.<br> Close-up details of the outer wall structure of Ehrenbreitstein Fortress (Festung Ehrenbreitstein), featuring distinct military architectural style and defensive features.<br> The thick stone walls at the top of the fortress in the image are neatly constructed and feature a curved, radiating stone pattern, which is part of the arch support technology used to enhance the stability and load-bearing capacity of the walls.<br> In the central section, multiple narrow embrasures/gun ports (also known as cannon ports) can be seen. These are of great significance in fortress architecture, serving as windows for observing enemy movements or deploying firepower while maintaining concealment and safety during defensive operations. The walls are thick and almost devoid of decoration, emphasizing their practicality and defensive nature, which is a typical feature of 19th-century Prussian military engineering.<br> Green grass covering the top: The top of the fortress is covered with green vegetation, which is one of the "living roof structures" or "camouflage defense techniques" used in early military fortresses. On the one hand, it helps with insulation and drainage, and on the other hand, it conceals the outline of military buildings when viewed from the air, serving as a form of camouflage.<br><br> Thick stone walls: The walls still feature the typical Prussian military architectural style, constructed from dark volcanic rock and reddish-brown sandstone, combined with radiating brick and stone textures, which are both aesthetically pleasing and structurally stable.<br> Shooting holes and observation holes: There are multiple square and rectangular small windows or openings evenly distributed on the wall. These are gun ports or shooting holes, which are used to deploy weapons and observe enemy movements, and are an important part of defensive structures.<br> The "green roof" at the top: The top of the building is covered with thick turf, commonly known as a "green roof," which has camouflage, fireproof, explosion-proof, and heat-insulating functions. It was an advanced military construction technique at the time.<br> Corner tower design: The central structure protrudes forward, forming a bastion-like structure that expands the range of fire and reduces blind spots, a common strategy in defensive fortifications.<br> Video of the outer wall structure of the fortress This thick stone archway is one of the important passages leading to the viewing platform inside the Allenbrightstein Fortress. Passing through this gate, we will arrive at the high platform in front of the fortress, from where we can overlook the world-famous Deutsches Eck! You can see the video of the German Horn on the fortress platform The Deutsches Eck left a deep impression on us The Deutsches Eck left a deep impression on us The unforgettable landmark of German reunification – the Deutsches Eck (German Corner)