Koblenz, Germany - a city at the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine, where the meandering Mosel is a tributary into the much larger, faster Rhine. Koblenz was established as a Roman military post by Drusus c. 8 BC. Its name originates from the Latin word meaning "(at the) confluence".  The actual confluence is today known as the "German Corner", a symbol of the unification of Germany that features an equestrian statue of Emperor William I.  Around 1000 BC, early fortifications were erected on the Festung Ehrenbreitstein hill on the opposite side of the Rhine.  Koblenz lies in a narrow flood plain between high hill ranges, some reaching mountainous height,and is subject to flooding, sometimes very serious amounts.

The Viking Hild "parked" right near this extremely large statue of  Kaiser William I, the first leader of the unified Germany that we know today, and it is from here that we take our walking tour.

Our "parking" spot at the confluence is on the other side of this monument, but we can see the the citadel of Ehrenbreitstein on the opposite bank from from the monument from the Mosel where the smaller river will eventually join the Rhine.

Autumn leaves being swept away from the monument steps...just thought it was picturesque with the hrey skies and orange of the leaves and workers suits. 

Ludwig Museum of Modern Art inside the monastery wall.  The museum is housed in the white building which was the former  housing of the Teutonic Order of Knights from the 12th century.  Modern sculptures are seen throughout the grounds and with the trees changing colors it is a photographer's delight.  In the foreground:  The monumental sculpture (2011), made of steel ingots, stands between the Ludwig Museum and the Kaiser Wilhelm Monument. Bernar Venet’s works reveal his fascination with coarse materials.  You can see the Knight's housing rising above the monestay walls.

 Two thumbs up....okay, nine thumbs up.    The authentic thumb of César himself  (really?? - Wikipedia wouldn't lie, right?) was molded into the present sculpture. Associations with the famous thumb gesture of the Roman general Gaius Julius Cesar are, according to the artist, quite desirable. Created by Le Pounce 1965.

"Shadowing Stack" (2018) by Irish-American artist Sean Scully

The "Three Graces" (2011) with two tone fir in background

Gate to the noble's graveyard behind the church

The Noble's church

"Bubble Tree" - second picture down show the seedpods that gave the trees their name.

Back on the Rhine through castle valley and past the Lorelei Rock of mystery and defiance, grounding many a sailor.  This is a sculpture dedicated to that memory.

This is the actual protruding rock formation that causes the sharp turn in the bend and caused so much trouble to navigate.

Kind of a gloomier day for taking photos of all the castles.  This one in particular caught my attention

You can see that the Rhine is a much larger waterway than the Mosel.  In the early 1800's the river was actually straighten out and locks installed to make the navigation possible for larger ships.

The evening entertainment aboard the ship were two men performing music on instruments used in the Renaissance days.

Be sure to check out his shoes. 

Fellow on the left is playing the Hurdy Gurdy!

Now that's talent!  Two at once.