Gefördert durch
„Die Beauftragte der Bundesregierung
für Kultur und Medien“
Ingelheim am Rhein - Sharing Heritage

Semi-circular building

The semi-circular building had round towers and a colonnade. The uncommon ground plan of this structure is plainly influenced by the antique architecture of Rome, but also by the Sasanian architecture of the Near East.
The floors of the interiors were covered with marble plates, which were recycled materials from antique constructions. Some types of stone came from Italy, Greece, Turkey or Egypt. The magnificent columns and capitals of the colonnade had also been used earlier, in Roman edifices.

The courtyard well

The well, due to its exposed position on the visual axis of the Imperial Palace, stands out as an element partaking in the architecture of authority. The fountains of roman villas may have served as a model.
    • The reconstruction shows the interior side of the semi-circular building with its colonnade.

      The reconstruction shows the interior side of the semi-circular building with its colonnade.

    • This view shows the outside of the semi-circular building. There was a large gate at the centre of the structure, traces of which can still be seen today at the

      This view shows the outside of the semi-circular building. There was a large gate at the centre of the structure, traces of which can still be seen today at the "Heidesheim gate".

    • Trajan’s Forum in Rome was built in the first half of the 2nd century AD. It shows the broad spectrum of cultural influences that are reflected in the buildings of the Imperial Palace Ingelheim.

      Trajan’s Forum in Rome was built in the first half of the 2nd century AD. It shows the broad spectrum of cultural influences that are reflected in the buildings of the Imperial Palace Ingelheim.

    • Inside the semi-circular building, archaeological excavations revealed numerous marble plates. They served as components of the splendid floor coverings.

      Inside the semi-circular building, archaeological excavations revealed numerous marble plates. They served as components of the splendid floor coverings.

    • The types of marble and porphyry that were found in Ingelheim came from quarries that are situated in present-day Italy, Greece, Turkey and Egypt.

      The types of marble and porphyry that were found in Ingelheim came from quarries that are situated in present-day Italy, Greece, Turkey and Egypt.

    • The basilica of San Salvatore is equipped with a wide variety of spoliated columns; 9th century, Brescia, Italy.

      The basilica of San Salvatore is equipped with a wide variety of spoliated columns; 9th century, Brescia, Italy.

    • This is how, in the Early Middle Ages, the visual axis opened up to the visitor upon entering the Imperial Palace from the east.

      This is how, in the Early Middle Ages, the visual axis opened up to the visitor upon entering the Imperial Palace from the east.

    • The summer residence Qasr al-Hayr al-Sharqi (Syria) was built before the year 729. This example shows that in the palace architecture of distant cultures, towers were used as prominent features, too.

      The summer residence Qasr al-Hayr al-Sharqi (Syria) was built before the year 729. This example shows that in the palace architecture of distant cultures, towers were used as prominent features, too.

    • The marble fountain (or piscina), probably Venetian, presents an interlaced pattern from the 9th century. (Berlin, Museum of Prehistory and Early History)

      The marble fountain (or piscina), probably Venetian, presents an interlaced pattern from the 9th century. (Berlin, Museum of Prehistory and Early History)

    • The Lombard marble fountain of the cloister of St. John Lateran also presents interlaced patterns from the 9th century. (Rome, Vatican, Italy)

      The Lombard marble fountain of the cloister of St. John Lateran also presents interlaced patterns from the 9th century. (Rome, Vatican, Italy)

    • The water basins depicted on wall paintings in the house of Lucretius Fronto represent grand luxury and wealth. (1st century, Pompeii, Italy)

      The water basins depicted on wall paintings in the house of Lucretius Fronto represent grand luxury and wealth. (1st century, Pompeii, Italy)