Hidden Church Found in Eichstätt
The County of Eichstätt has issued a press release announcing the completion of a significant archaeological project that reveals the paved outline of the historic St. Nicholas Chapel on the cathedral square.
The County-level governmental body made the announcement, highlighting the distinctively colored stone that now allows people to visualize where the former chapel lies underground. An information panel next to the outline will provide more details in the future.
The St. Nicholas Chapel, with its long historical significance, is connected primarily to the religious and episcopal history of Eichstätt. Notable church figures, such as Gebhard of Dollnstein-Hirschberg (later Pope Victor II), served as bishop in the 11th century. Although specific detailed historic records about the chapel itself are limited, its connection to Eichstätt's ecclesiastical prominence suggests an early medieval Christian presence and significance in the area.
The press release did not provide specific details about the nature of the news, but it is clear that the County of Eichstätt has taken steps to make the outlines of the chapel visible again as part of a gentle redesign of the square. The findings from the excavations were documented, and the foundations of the former place of worship were properly backfilled.
For those interested in learning more about the design, visit www.eichstaett.de. Photos of the St. Nicholas Chapel outline are available from Marina Herrler/County of Eichstätt/Archives Hager and Press Office/City of Eichstätt.
While the press release did not provide specific information on how the chapel's outline was recently made visible, common archaeological techniques such as ground-penetrating radar, excavation revealing foundations, or laser scanning and imaging technologies likely played a role in the process.
The County of Eichstätt encourages further research for those seeking more detailed or updated information specifically about recent archaeological or heritage work revealing the chapel's outline. Consulting local Eichstätt historical authorities or recent heritage project reports would be necessary for such inquiries.
The County of Eichstätt, in addition to preserving historical structures, aims to promote outdoor-living and home-and-garden interests through its work on the cathedral square, such as the recent unveiling of the St. Nicholas Chapel's paved outline. Future visitors can learn more about this significant discovery by exploring the information panel nearby.
