Sola-Basilika, Carolingian basilica ruins in Solnhofen, Germany
The Sola-Basilika is a church ruin in Solnhofen featuring three naves and stone columns from the 9th century. The site reveals overlapping layers of earlier church buildings that occupied this location over different periods.
Archaeological excavations between 1961 and 1979 uncovered evidence of five successive churches built at this location, starting from around 650. These layers demonstrate how the site remained a religious center through repeated rebuilding over the centuries.
The basilica served as a pilgrimage destination where visitors came to venerate Saint Solus over many centuries. This religious purpose shaped the local community and remains central to how people understand the site today.
The ruined site is freely accessible outdoors and can be visited at any time. Some original columns are displayed at the Archaeological Museum in Munich, while replicas remain on the ground where visitors can see them.
The site contains evidence of human settlement reaching back about 8000 years, including ancient metalworking areas. This long history of use shows that the location held importance long before the basilica was ever built.
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