What remains today of the Kaiserpfalz in Kaiserslautern?

Red sandstone blocks with rustic bossing from the foundations of the former imperial hall survive, along with faint remains of the double chapel, visible in the site's southwest corner.

Who built the Kaiserpfalz?

Emperor Frederick Barbarossa had it built between 1152 and 1158 as a royal residence and administrative seat.

Can the Kaiserpfalz be visited freely?

The ruins are freely accessible, but no verified information on hours or specific conditions is available.

Where is the Kaiserpfalz in Kaiserslautern located?

It is located in Kaiserslautern, in Rhineland-Palatinate, right in the city center, next to the new town hall.

Is the Kaiserpfalz connected to a nearby castle?

Yes, Elector Johann Casimir had a Renaissance palace built immediately next to it between 1570 and 1580, which is likewise now in ruins.

Kaiserpfalz Kaiserslautern

Kaiserslautern

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Where: Kaiserslautern

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Open within 20 km

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Kaiserpfalz stands in Kaiserslautern (Kaiserslautern), in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. The building is a listed Baudenkmal. Recorded dating: 12th century. Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

The Kaiserpfalz in Kaiserslautern survives only as a ruin, the remains of an imperial palace built in the 12th century by Frederick Barbarossa on a rocky plateau above the Lauter river. Visitors can see red sandstone blocks with rustic bossing from the foundations of the former imperial hall, along with scant masonry remains of the castle's double chapel. The site now sits next to the city's new town hall, in the heart of Kaiserslautern.

This place also features in The Hohenstaufen castles

What to know

Only ground-level remains survive, mostly in the southwest corner of the site, in the open air.
A visit is limited to viewing archaeological ruins, with no accessible interior building for this part.
The site lies in the very center of Kaiserslautern, right next to the new town hall.
The site is listed as a Kulturdenkmal in Germany.
No verified information is available regarding opening hours or admission fees.

Where this château is

Kaiserslautern · Kaiserslautern · Rheinland-Pfalz

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Willy-Brandt-Platz 2, 67657 Kaiserslautern

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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4.1 / 5from 108 Google reviews

Heritage status: Kulturdenkmal in Deutschland
Period of construction: 12th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

What remains today of the Kaiserpfalz in Kaiserslautern?: Red sandstone blocks with rustic bossing from the foundations of the former imperial hall survive, along with faint remains of the double chapel, visible in the site's southwest corner.
Who built the Kaiserpfalz?: Emperor Frederick Barbarossa had it built between 1152 and 1158 as a royal residence and administrative seat.
Can the Kaiserpfalz be visited freely?: The ruins are freely accessible, but no verified information on hours or specific conditions is available.
Where is the Kaiserpfalz in Kaiserslautern located?: It is located in Kaiserslautern, in Rhineland-Palatinate, right in the city center, next to the new town hall.
Is the Kaiserpfalz connected to a nearby castle?: Yes, Elector Johann Casimir had a Renaissance palace built immediately next to it between 1570 and 1580, which is likewise now in ruins.