The heart of the emperor, Henry III, is buried within the foundation of the St. Ulrich Chapel on the palace grounds.
The Aula Regia was the largest secular residential building constructed in the 11th century in the Holy Roman Empire.
The current visual state of the interior is largely defined by extensive 19th-century renovations that added historizing paintings rather than preserving original medieval interior decor.
The palace complex is situated on the slope of the Rammelsberg, chosen specifically for its proximity to the lucrative silver mines.
The Collegiate Church of St. Simon and St. Jude, once the most important cathedral in the region, was demolished in 1820, leaving only the foundations and a porch.
The palace was abandoned by the imperial family in the 13th century, leading to centuries of decay before 19th-century restoration efforts.
The building materials include local limestone and sandstone sourced from the nearby Harz mountains.
The Imperial Palace of Goslar (Kaiserpfalz) is a restored 11th-century Romanesque building originally commissioned by Emperor Henry III. It served as a central residence for Salian and Staufen emperors. The site consists of the two-story Palas building, the St. Ulrich Chapel, and the foundations of the former St. Simon and St. Jude Collegiate Church. Inside, the Great Hall (Aula Regia) features elaborate 19th-century murals depicting German history. The heart of the site is its large central hall, which functioned as the administrative and ceremonial hub of the Holy Roman Empire. The palace grounds are part of the UNESCO World Heritage designation for the Old Town of Goslar and the Rammelsberg Mines.
The wide lawn area in front of the palace main entrance, which allows for a full-frame capture of the Romanesque arcade and facade.
Explore the garden area behind the palace for a view of the building's facade and the surrounding Harz landscape.
Check if the seasonal exhibitions are taking place in the basement vaults, as they often provide context on the mining history of the region.
Walk the perimeter of the Collegiate Church foundations to visualize the scale of the original cathedral that once stood adjacent to the palace.
Do not mistake the modern town center buildings for the palace; ensure you head to the distinct hill at the southern end of the town.
Open daily throughout the year, but may have limited operations on certain public holidays; check for local closures during winter months.
