The Kaiserpfalz in Kaiserslautern, Germany is the ruin of the medieval royal palace of the Holy Roman Emporer Friedrich Barbarossa („red beard“) built in the 12th century CE. The so called Barbarossaburg is located close to the city center of Kaiserslautern. It was damaged in 1635 and 1688 and was finally destroyed by the French army in 1703.
Today you can see a memorial where the Kaisersaal once was located and on guided tours you can explore the still standing Casimirsaal as well as the underground rooms and tunnels. It is a pitty that such a cultural heritage is in such a bad condition – but recently restauration works started.
It is said that Barbarossa hasn‘t died in the waters of river Saleph (Turkey) during his crusade to the Holy Land as it is commonly seen. A myth says that a Turkish course binds him in his castle until the ravens leave the place. Some people say that he is waiting for his return under the vast Kyffhäuserdenkmal (which is built on top of one of his former castles) in Thuringia – others suspect he is waiting underneath the Kaiserpfalz at Kaiserslautern.
A knight reports he has seen him in the cellars of the Kaiserpfalz at night, but as the ravens are still there he is still asleep. A nice myth used for tourism – Barbarossa is buried in the church of St. Peter in Antioch, ancient Syria (today belonging to Turkey).
Kaiserpfalz Kaiserslautern
Willy-Brandt-Platz 2
67657 Kaiserslautern
Germany
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