In historical journals, Ingelheim can be found from the 8th century, and there are still many buildings today that bear witness to the long and eventful history of the town. From 835, vine growing on the hillsides around the town has been handed down, which is why Ingelheim calls itself „the town of red wine“ today. Its importance during the Middle Ages, however, comes from the Imperial Palace (Kaiserpfalz) founded by Carl the Great. In 774, he resided here for the first time and since 807, the place has been called a palatium or palace. During Carolingian, Ottonian and early Salian times, the Imperial Palace was a venue for Court Diets (Hoftage), imperial assemblies and other representative events, then its importance gradually decreased.

From the reign of the Staufen Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa (1122-1190), only one visit in Ingelheim has been documented: Presumably in 1154, he met Hildegard of Bingen there, who had already contacted him in 1152, shortly after his coronation. What they talked about is not known, but certainly Hildegard gave him advice on a good and just reign, as she also did in her letters.

Impressive ruins of the Imperial Palace can still be visited today. The Aula regia, the King’s Hall, stems from the Carolingian time and used to be a colourfully decorated rectangular hall with a semicircular apse. The Saal church (Saal stems from the quarter of the town called „Saal“) came about in its present form during Hildegard’s time in the 12th century. Also the „Heidesheimer Tor“ (Heidesheim Gate) and further fortification devices stem from the Staufen time. In the visitors centre / Museum at the Kaiserpfalz, you have the opportunity through virtual reconstruction to obtain an impression of the appearance of the Imperial Palace during different time periods.