Heating system

An archaeological shelter was erected next to the semi-circular apse of the Aula regia (throne hall) in 2000. The accessible steel and glass construction preserves the exceptionally well-preserved remains of a Staufer heating system from the 12th century. Due to its shape, size and condition, it is a unique testimony to the history of technology in the High Middle Ages. Detailed information about this heating system is provided on information boards on and in the shelter. The key to the shelter can be borrowed from the visitor centre and the museum near the imperial palace.

During archaeological excavations in 1993 and 1997, two graves from the 9th or early 10th century were also found in front of the apse of the Aula regia. Further information on this can be found on a plaque in the lower area, which corresponds to the historical walking level. At this point of the tour, it is also possible to climb a spiral staircase to the almost ten-metre-high 12th-century defensive wall, which provides an overview of the Kaiserpfalz Ingelheim archaeological zone. The battlements reveal St Remigius Church to the west and the Rheingau to the north.