Archäologischer Garten, Archaeological site in Frankfurt Cathedral Hill, Germany

The Archaeological Garden sits below the Imperial Cathedral and displays Roman military bath foundations, a Carolingian palace complex, and medieval cellar remains arranged in visible layers. The excavated structures are left open so visitors can directly observe the successive building phases.

The site holds remains of a Roman settlement on the Domhügel, a Merovingian royal court, and the Carolingian-Ottonian royal palace of Frankfurt. The palace is associated with Louis the Pious, son of Charlemagne, and dates to the 9th century. A 15-meter 'Königsgang' linking the palace to the Salvatorkirche was uncovered in 2012. The name Franconofurd comes from a 794 charter issued for Charlemagne.

The site displays building remains arranged so visitors can see how structures from different periods stood in relation to one another. Walking through the space, you notice how the city layered new construction atop old foundations across the centuries.

The site is located in the city center within walking distance of the Cathedral and accessible from multiple entrances. To better understand the layered foundations and walls, take your time and move slowly through the different zones.

A large bronze model in the underground exhibition space reconstructs how the Carolingian palace complex may have looked around the 9th century, complete with halls and surrounding structures. The model helps visitors visualize the original architecture behind the foundation walls visible today.