Imperia

No better place to start our tour than in front of the Imperia Statue, in the Marina. Commemorating the Council of Constance that took place there between 1414 and 1418, the statue represents a woman holding two naked men on her hands. One is Pope Martin V, the one elected during the Council and the other one is Emperor Sigismund, the king who called the council. Both are naked except for the crown and papal tiara, the symbols of their power. Hear the full story behind this very controversial touristic attraction from your local guide as a short introduction into the tumultuous life of Constance. We move close by for a view of the Council building. Built in the 14 th century and used as a granary a warehouse for a long time, this is the place where Pope Martin V was elected. Next to it, a monument reminds us of Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, the inventor of the zeppelin who was born in Constance in 1838. To the left we can admire the Jesuit Church and the town theatre, the oldest stages in German-speaking regions. Our next stop will be Constance Minster or Constance Cathedral. This very special building will test all your architectural skills with its mix styles. Right under this cathedral, the archeologists found the remains of a Roman fort from the 4 th century. Continuing our stroll through the narrow streets of the old town we will reach another landmark: Triumph of Satire fountain, sculpture consisting of more than 30 comical figures and several water basins. While making our way to Town Hall we shall pass by Stephanskirche, a church of Romanesque origin decorated with rococo elements and with some very impressive glass paintings on the round arched windows, and go through the square where in the Middle Ages it used to be the place for executions and community affairs. We will end our tour in front of the Marktstaette fountain. Enjoy one of the many coffee shops close by or go for a refreshing ice cream, plenty to find in this very popular area.