This monument shows Hermann or Arminius who was chief of the Cherusci. German tribes under Hermann the Cherussci had a decisive victory over three Roman legions under Varus. This happened in the year 9 AD and is known as the Battle of Teutoburg Forest. When Caesar heard about this he should have spoken the famous words: Varus, Varus give back my legions to me.
The socket of the monument is about 27 metres high and the figure about 27 metres high too. The figure was planned by Ernst von Bandel. They started in 1883 the construction of the statue and it was opened in 1875.
The Hermannsdenkmal is one of the most popular places for tourists in Germany.