The Imperial Palace of Goslar, known locally as Kaiserpfalz Goslar, is a magnificent testament to medieval architecture and the grandeur of the Holy Roman Empire. Nestled at the foot of the Rammelsberg in the southern part of Goslar, this sprawling complex spans approximately 340 by 180 meters and boasts an array of historical buildings that have stood the test of time. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its cultural significance alongside the Old Town of Goslar and the Rammelsberg Mines.
The origins of the Imperial Palace of Goslar can be traced back to a royal hunting lodge mentioned by Adam of Bremen during the Ottonian period. It was Emperor Henry II who, around 1005, initiated the construction of the first palace building in Goslar, likely due to the rich ore deposits discovered at the nearby Rammelsberg. The palace quickly overshadowed the nearby Pfalz Werla in importance.
In the 1030s, Emperor Conrad II began expanding the complex, laying the foundation for the Church of Our Lady. However, it was his son, Emperor Henry III, who brought the palace to its zenith. In 1048, Henry III commissioned Benno II, a renowned architect of the time and later Bishop of Osnabrück, to oversee the construction of the new Imperial House and the Collegiate Church of St. Simon and St. Jude. By the early 1050s, the construction was completed, and the Imperial Palace of Goslar became one of the most significant residences of the Salian emperors.
The centerpiece of the Imperial Palace of Goslar is the Kaiserhaus, the largest and best-preserved secular building from the 11th century in Germany. Measuring 54 meters in length and 18 meters in depth, the Kaiserhaus is a monumental structure that housed two grand halls, one atop the other. The upper hall, known as the Summer Hall, features six large round-arched openings and a central section with a strong arch structure, likely leading to a balcony. This design allowed the hall to be open to the outside, possibly fulfilling the requirement for holding court under the open sky.
The lower hall, referred to as the Winter Hall, is equipped with a warm air heating system, a precursor to modern heating methods. Outside the hall, large ovens burned wood, and once the smoke and sparks dissipated, warm air was channeled into the hall through ducts. This innovative heating system allowed the hall to be used for gatherings even in colder weather.
In the early 12th century, under Emperor Henry V, further modifications were made to the Kaiserhaus, including the addition of a second residential wing and the reconstruction of the hall after it collapsed in 1132. The building was enhanced with a cross-section in the middle, a porch at the entrance, and a gable protruding from the previously steep slate roof. Some windows were made closable, and a type of underfloor heating was installed.
The Collegiate Church of St. Simon and St. Jude, once a grand basilica, was the spiritual heart of the Imperial Palace of Goslar. Consecrated on July 2, 1051, by Archbishop Hermann of Cologne, the church was the largest Romanesque church building east of the Rhine at the time. It featured a three-nave design with a transept, three eastern apses, a westwork with two octagonal towers, and a simple paradise. A crypt lay beneath the choir, and a tower rose above the crossing.
Despite its grandeur, the church was sold for demolition in 1819. Today, only the northern porch remains, adorned with niches containing originally colorful stucco sculptures. The upper row depicts Mary with the Christ Child flanked by candlesticks and angels, while the lower row features Emperor Henry III, the church's patron saints Simon, Matthias, and Jude, and another unidentified emperor.
South of the Kaiserhaus stands the Chapel of St. Ulrich, a double chapel dedicated to St. Ulrich. Dating back to the first half of the 12th century, the chapel's upper floor was likely added later, in the second half of the century. The chapel is connected to the Kaiserhaus by a 19th-century arcade, providing a picturesque pathway between the two structures.
Visitors to the Imperial Palace of Goslar can immerse themselves in the rich history and architectural splendor of this medieval complex. The Kaiserhaus, with its impressive halls and innovative heating system, offers a glimpse into the lives of the Salian emperors. The remaining structures, including the porch of the Collegiate Church and the Chapel of St. Ulrich, provide insight into the religious and cultural significance of the site.
As you stroll through the grounds, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship and ingenuity that went into creating this remarkable palace. The Imperial Palace of Goslar is not just a historical monument; it is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Holy Roman Empire and a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
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