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 began as a Roman military installation in the 1st century that later served as an administrative hub. In the 8th century, Ludwig the Pious built an expansive palace complex on the same ground, of which only the heavy foundation walls remain visible today.
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.
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