Semi-circular building

A semi-circular building with a diameter of around 89 metres was erected on this site under Charlemagne (747/48-814), giving the Ingelheim palace its characteristic layout. Its curved shape was deliberately modelled on the architecture of antiquity. The semi-circular building was fronted by a large portico towards the inner courtyard, reminiscent of a Roman villa. From the outside, the semi-circular building was entered through an imposing gate located at its apex. It is known today as the “Heidesheim Gate” and was one of the main entrances to the palace. Two side gates flanking the gate were made visible again by the excavations and restoration work. They led into the outer towers, the remains of which have also been uncovered today. An original sandstone lintel from the Carolingian construction period can still be recognised at the left-hand gate.