Tilleda royal palace

Tilleda royal palace is an archaeological open-air museum displaying a medieval royal residence with reconstructed buildings, defensive structures, and craft workshops from the 10th to 12th centuries. The site covers several hectares and reveals how such an imperial settlement was physically organized and arranged.

The site served as a residence for German emperors and kings from the 10th through 12th centuries, with particular importance under the Ottonian dynasty. Emperor Otto II granted the palace to his bride Theophanu, marking its significance in imperial affairs.

The site shows medieval craftsmanship and daily life through reconstructed buildings where visitors can see how people worked and lived in a royal settlement. Walking through the workshops and living spaces gives a sense of the routines and skills that kept such a place functioning.

The site is accessible from March through November and offers guided tours by reservation. Visitors, especially children, can participate in hands-on archaeological activities in designated areas to learn about medieval crafts and techniques.

This is Germany's only completely excavated imperial palace and serves archaeologists as a reference model for understanding other early medieval royal residences. The thorough excavations made it possible to reconstruct building layouts and functions with precision.

Location: Kelbra

Operator: Stadt Kelbra

Part of: Romanesque Road

GPS coordinates: 51.41690,11.13610

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:01