The Basilica

‘Go all out’ was the motto; with a black-and-white marble floor, porphyry statues, mosaics and marble wall plaques, anyone summoned to the emperor would get the sense they were about to meet a darling of the gods from the moment they stepped in the door. A darling who should want for nothing during his hard work. And so it was that the basilica with the largest pillarless hall construction in the ancient world was built for him, equipped with a monumental floor-heating system that managed to achieve something many people at the time could never even have dreamt of: It warmed the giant room so well that it kept occupants from freezing even in winter. This heating is no longer applied during the services held by the Protestant Church, which has been using the space since the mid-19th century (with much more modest interior décor). But imagining oneself sitting like an emperor in an ancient throne room is enough to warm the heart anyway.

A must for: Emperors and empresses. Would-be emperors. Rulers in spirit. Monarchists.  Fans of monumental surprises.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: 100%
Imperial glamour: 80%
Concert enjoyment: 20%


PSSSST! THE INSIDER TIP:
Several times a year, the basilica hosts concerts whose acoustics are unsurpassed. Because the giant hall church, which has no ceiling-supporting pillars, doesn’t just guarantee perfectly clear sound propagation; since 2014, it has also had a new main organ with over 6000 organ pipes. A feast for the ears and eyes that simply cannot be missed! And those wanting to delve deeper can sign up for a tour under the basilica (in German only) to trace the foundations of the Roman structure.