As of: February 23, 2024, 5:22 a.m
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View of the Fraueninsel in Lake Chiemsee.
(Archive image) © IMAGO/Volker Preusser
Geophysicists have made a sensational discovery on Fraueninsel in Lake Chiemsee.
During radar measurements they discovered a structure.
Chiemsee/Rosenheim – Scientists have discovered a cult site on Fraueninsel in Lake Chiemsee that may have been slumbering underground for 1,000 years.
During ground radar measurements, geophysicists came across previously unknown foundation walls of a Romanesque central building, the Bavarian State Office for Monument Preservation (BLfD) announced on Wednesday.
The researchers actually wanted to investigate the exact location of a church that was demolished in 1803 as part of secularization.
According to BR,
their floor plans were also found
.
However, the radar data also showed another, much older structure underneath.
According to the report, it is said to be an octagonal central building with an ambulatory formed by eight supports and four extensions arranged in a cross shape.
Researchers have discovered an ancient cult site on the Chiemsee island of Frauenchiemsee.
© Bavarian State Office for Monument Preservation
Sensational find on Chiemsee Island surprises researchers
It is unclear whether the 19 meter diameter building on the highest point of the island could be the grave of the Blessed Irmengard.
She worked as abbess of the Frauenwörth convent in the 9th century.
However, scientists suspect that the building has a connection with their worship.
The State Office for Monument Preservation announced that the place of worship was not mentioned on historical maps or in writings.
Bavaria's Art Minister Markus Blume (CSU) spoke of a sensational find.
“Such a floor plan for a Romanesque central building is absolutely rare north of the Alps.
So it remains exciting to see how science classifies this find historically.” The state office’s general curator, Mathias Pfeil, also spoke of it as an “absolute rarity”.
Find on Fraueninsel an “absolute rarity”
The Frauenwörth Monastery has shaped the island for centuries.
Blessed Irmengard, daughter of King Louis the German and great-granddaughter of Charlemagne, was buried in the abbey church in 866, as the state office further explained.
Between 1001 and 1020 her grave was opened to remove relics.
Perhaps it was in this context that the additional memorial building was built, which was intended to serve as a destination for pilgrims based on the Jerusalem Church of the Holy Sepulcher, it was said.
The data should now be scientifically evaluated and analyzed in order to find answers to the remaining questions.
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Rare archaeological finds are repeatedly made in Bavaria, as are also the case during construction work in Bergrheinfeld.
By the way: Our Bavaria newsletter informs you about all the important stories from the Free State. Register here. (dpa/rist)