signposting of the VIA REGIA
Maastricht (NL/Limburg Province)
The Aachen-Frankfurt Military Road, part of the Via Regia, was already in use in Carolingian times. It was an important link in Europe's medieval road network. It connected Flanders and England to the east with Franconia, Saxony, Bohemia, Poland, and Russia. Even in Carolingian times, it is said that the approximately 8-mile route from the Palatinate in Aachen to the Meuse crossing in Maastricht was heavily frequented. It is likely that only recently has a section of the road in Maastricht been given the name Via Regia again.
The Aachen-Frankfurt Military Road, part of the Via Regia, was already in use in Carolingian times. It was an important link in Europe's medieval road network. It connected Flanders and England to the east with Franconia, Saxony, Bohemia, Poland, and Russia. Even in Carolingian times, it is said that the approximately 8-mile route from the Palatinate in Aachen to the Meuse crossing in Maastricht was heavily frequented. It is likely that only recently has a section of the road in Maastricht been given the name Via Regia again.
Aachen (Germany/North Rhine-Westphalia)
Since November 2012, five panels dedicated to the general theme "Along the VIA REGIA" have been in place in Aachen: two at Gut Melaten, another at Hexenberg, and two at the Aachen Transport Association bus stop in Aachen-Lemiers, directly on the border with the Netherlands. Each of the panels, measuring 93 x 116 cm, is dedicated to a specific theme along this road, which is briefly and generally explained in three languages and further explored in maps and illustrations with explanatory captions. QR codes are attached to the panels for smartphone users, providing links to more detailed online information. The Laurensberg District Council, the Rhineland Regional Council, and Sparkasse Aachen supported the panels with contributions to cover their costs.
Since November 2012, five panels dedicated to the general theme "Along the VIA REGIA" have been in place in Aachen: two at Gut Melaten, another at Hexenberg, and two at the Aachen Transport Association bus stop in Aachen-Lemiers, directly on the border with the Netherlands. Each of the panels, measuring 93 x 116 cm, is dedicated to a specific theme along this road, which is briefly and generally explained in three languages and further explored in maps and illustrations with explanatory captions. QR codes are attached to the panels for smartphone users, providing links to more detailed online information. The Laurensberg District Council, the Rhineland Regional Council, and Sparkasse Aachen supported the panels with contributions to cover their costs.
Sinzig
Bad Bodendorf
Grafschaft (all Germany/Rhineland-Palatinate)
The Ahrweiler district supports the sections of the listed Aachen-Frankfurter-Heerstraße (Aachen-Frankfurt Heerstraße) that run through the district. These include sections in Sinzig's city center, Bad Bodendorf, and the Grafschaft. The historic route is designated as an archaeological monument and is also known as the "Coronation Road" or VIA REGIA.
Along the route in Bodendorf, two information panels mark the historic route of the road: At the military cemetery and at the Zierth' Heck Chapel, the panels inform hikers about the town and its history. In the Sinzig urban area, two panels are located at the junction of Mühlenbachstraße in the former parking lot and at the corner of Kirchplatz and Kirchgasse. The 80 x 120-centimeter information panels were financed with private donations and the clubs' own funds. The club members carried out the work themselves. A grant from the Rural Development Funding Program was already awarded to the Grafschaft Local History and Eifel Association in 2009 – also for the marking of the hiking trail along the VIA REGIA. With the three sections in Sinzig, Bad Bodendorf, and Grafschaft, the three local history associations have planned the majority of the old road in the Ahrweiler district. These measures serve as a model for initiatives in North Rhine-Westphalia, among others.
Bad Bodendorf
Grafschaft (all Germany/Rhineland-Palatinate)
The Ahrweiler district supports the sections of the listed Aachen-Frankfurter-Heerstraße (Aachen-Frankfurt Heerstraße) that run through the district. These include sections in Sinzig's city center, Bad Bodendorf, and the Grafschaft. The historic route is designated as an archaeological monument and is also known as the "Coronation Road" or VIA REGIA.
Along the route in Bodendorf, two information panels mark the historic route of the road: At the military cemetery and at the Zierth' Heck Chapel, the panels inform hikers about the town and its history. In the Sinzig urban area, two panels are located at the junction of Mühlenbachstraße in the former parking lot and at the corner of Kirchplatz and Kirchgasse. The 80 x 120-centimeter information panels were financed with private donations and the clubs' own funds. The club members carried out the work themselves. A grant from the Rural Development Funding Program was already awarded to the Grafschaft Local History and Eifel Association in 2009 – also for the marking of the hiking trail along the VIA REGIA. With the three sections in Sinzig, Bad Bodendorf, and Grafschaft, the three local history associations have planned the majority of the old road in the Ahrweiler district. These measures serve as a model for initiatives in North Rhine-Westphalia, among others.
Frankfurt am Main, Bergen-Enkheim District (Germany/Hesse)
Coming from eastern or western Europe, ancient paths have always led through Frankfurt. In the Middle Ages, it was primarily the section of the VIA REGIA known locally as the "Hohe Straße" (High Street), which ran from Mainz via Frankfurt and Büdingen as a high-altitude route along the ridges of the Vogelsberg Mountains, via Fulda, the Rhön Range, to Erfurt, and on to Leipzig.In 2004, the Rhine-Main Regional Park revived part of this historic route as a regional park route: The approximately 22-kilometer-long connection between Frankfurt-Bergen and Hammersbach was upgraded to make it suitable for cycling and hiking. It will be extended to Büdingen by 2013.
In 2009, the entrance to the "Hohe Straße" regional park route was completed and opened. It is located on an orchard meadow in Frankfurt-Bergen and offers the views of a vast landscape typical of the Hohe Straße. A Corten steel sign marks the route of the VIA REGIA. This installation, which symbolizes the route of the historic road to Kyiv, creates an attractive starting point for the "VIA REGIA – Cultural Route of the Council of Europe" adventure cycle path heading east.
Coming from eastern or western Europe, ancient paths have always led through Frankfurt. In the Middle Ages, it was primarily the section of the VIA REGIA known locally as the "Hohe Straße" (High Street), which ran from Mainz via Frankfurt and Büdingen as a high-altitude route along the ridges of the Vogelsberg Mountains, via Fulda, the Rhön Range, to Erfurt, and on to Leipzig.In 2004, the Rhine-Main Regional Park revived part of this historic route as a regional park route: The approximately 22-kilometer-long connection between Frankfurt-Bergen and Hammersbach was upgraded to make it suitable for cycling and hiking. It will be extended to Büdingen by 2013.
In 2009, the entrance to the "Hohe Straße" regional park route was completed and opened. It is located on an orchard meadow in Frankfurt-Bergen and offers the views of a vast landscape typical of the Hohe Straße. A Corten steel sign marks the route of the VIA REGIA. This installation, which symbolizes the route of the historic road to Kyiv, creates an attractive starting point for the "VIA REGIA – Cultural Route of the Council of Europe" adventure cycle path heading east.
Bad Hersfeld (Hesse, Germany)
On April 28, 2012, the busts of five kings who visited the town of (Bad) Hersfeld and the monastery during their reign were unveiled in the Bad Hersfeld Abbey District. Charlemagne, Conrad I, Henry III, Henry IV, and Conrad III, made of fiberglass based on contemporary coins, now stand guard in brilliant white in Bad Hersfeld's city center. They all arrived in the city overland via the Via Regia corridor and bear plaques on their pedestals acknowledging this connection.
arrow_forward "Deutsche Könige besuchten häufig das Kloster Hersfeld" von Dr. Michael Fleck
On April 28, 2012, the busts of five kings who visited the town of (Bad) Hersfeld and the monastery during their reign were unveiled in the Bad Hersfeld Abbey District. Charlemagne, Conrad I, Henry III, Henry IV, and Conrad III, made of fiberglass based on contemporary coins, now stand guard in brilliant white in Bad Hersfeld's city center. They all arrived in the city overland via the Via Regia corridor and bear plaques on their pedestals acknowledging this connection.
arrow_forward "Deutsche Könige besuchten häufig das Kloster Hersfeld" von Dr. Michael Fleck
Flieden OT Kautz (Germany/Hesse)
The small town suffered for years from the heavy traffic on the B40 until the A66 opened and the federal highway could be demolished. Since the inauguration of the new town center in Kautz, a district of Flieden, in May 2012, a bronze plaque on a sandstone boulder in the newly designed town center draws cyclists' attention to famous historical figures who once traveled this road.
The small town suffered for years from the heavy traffic on the B40 until the A66 opened and the federal highway could be demolished. Since the inauguration of the new town center in Kautz, a district of Flieden, in May 2012, a bronze plaque on a sandstone boulder in the newly designed town center draws cyclists' attention to famous historical figures who once traveled this road.
Fulda District (Germany/Hesse)
As part of the "VIA REGIA – Cultural Route of the Council of Europe" adventure cycle route from Frankfurt am Main to Kraków, a new VIA REGIA cycle path is being signposted from Rasdorf to Hünfeld and then to Flieden on the district borders and will be inaugurated this spring. The first signs for the VIA REGIA cycle path were installed in April 2012. The VIA REGIA cycle path complements the Kegelspiel cycle path, creating a wonderful circular route for cyclists through the former Hünfeld district.
As part of the "VIA REGIA – Cultural Route of the Council of Europe" adventure cycle route from Frankfurt am Main to Kraków, a new VIA REGIA cycle path is being signposted from Rasdorf to Hünfeld and then to Flieden on the district borders and will be inaugurated this spring. The first signs for the VIA REGIA cycle path were installed in April 2012. The VIA REGIA cycle path complements the Kegelspiel cycle path, creating a wonderful circular route for cyclists through the former Hünfeld district.
City of Frankfurt am Main (Germany/Hesse)
On February 28, 2013, the first VIA REGIA milestone was erected opposite the Galluswarte on the grounds of the "Luftikus" restaurant, where the "VIA REGIA Meeting Point" is also located. The four panels of the 1.65 m high milestone present the European, national, and regional routes – the sponsors introduce themselves on the last page.
The idea of marking the important old VIA REGIA trade route, a cultural route of the Council of Europe, with such milestones is a natural one. Even well into modern times, such markers served as orientation for travelers and provided information about the distances to the next destinations. The milestones will be placed at historic sites along the VIA REGIA corridor and are intended to concretely anchor this ancient land connection and its significance in public space and awareness. At the same time, they provide information about the European, German and Hessian route of the VIA REGIA as well as about the respective location in the context of the VIA REGIA.
On February 28, 2013, the first VIA REGIA milestone was erected opposite the Galluswarte on the grounds of the "Luftikus" restaurant, where the "VIA REGIA Meeting Point" is also located. The four panels of the 1.65 m high milestone present the European, national, and regional routes – the sponsors introduce themselves on the last page.
The idea of marking the important old VIA REGIA trade route, a cultural route of the Council of Europe, with such milestones is a natural one. Even well into modern times, such markers served as orientation for travelers and provided information about the distances to the next destinations. The milestones will be placed at historic sites along the VIA REGIA corridor and are intended to concretely anchor this ancient land connection and its significance in public space and awareness. At the same time, they provide information about the European, German and Hessian route of the VIA REGIA as well as about the respective location in the context of the VIA REGIA.
Löherstraße in Fulda (Germany/Hesse)
In 2009, the interest group "Löherstraße handelt," a member of the "VIA REGIA – Cultural Route of the Council of Europe" network, received the "Major Cultural Route of the Council of Europe" designation from the Council of Europe as part of its annual cultural festival. On this occasion, Mayor Dr. Möller unveiled one of three street signs identifying Löherstraße in Fulda as a section of the historic VIA REGIA route and documenting the Council of Europe's designation as a Cultural Route.
For centuries, travelers coming from Frankfurt/Main passed through Löherstraße into Fulda's city center. At that time, Löherstraße was located just outside the city gates. Tanners (also called Löhers) lived and worked here. Their craft, which was associated with considerable dirt and stench, was considered "unclean" and was not highly regarded. Therefore, they were usually only allowed to settle outside the city walls. Over time, the city grew beyond its medieval boundaries. Several inns settled on Löherstraße. Goethe used to stay in one of them on his travels between Weimar and Frankfurt. In the 19th century, Löherstraße became the nucleus of industrialization in the city. Today, it is a commercial street on the edge of the old town center, which derives its special flair from the multicultural character of its mostly smaller shops, restaurants, galleries, and cultural centers.
In 2009, the interest group "Löherstraße handelt," a member of the "VIA REGIA – Cultural Route of the Council of Europe" network, received the "Major Cultural Route of the Council of Europe" designation from the Council of Europe as part of its annual cultural festival. On this occasion, Mayor Dr. Möller unveiled one of three street signs identifying Löherstraße in Fulda as a section of the historic VIA REGIA route and documenting the Council of Europe's designation as a Cultural Route.
For centuries, travelers coming from Frankfurt/Main passed through Löherstraße into Fulda's city center. At that time, Löherstraße was located just outside the city gates. Tanners (also called Löhers) lived and worked here. Their craft, which was associated with considerable dirt and stench, was considered "unclean" and was not highly regarded. Therefore, they were usually only allowed to settle outside the city walls. Over time, the city grew beyond its medieval boundaries. Several inns settled on Löherstraße. Goethe used to stay in one of them on his travels between Weimar and Frankfurt. In the 19th century, Löherstraße became the nucleus of industrialization in the city. Today, it is a commercial street on the edge of the old town center, which derives its special flair from the multicultural character of its mostly smaller shops, restaurants, galleries, and cultural centers.
Rasdorf (Germany/Hesse)
Various information signs pointing to the VIA REGIA have been installed in Rasdorf. The street name signs there also received information signs, as did the sandstone block on the village green, which already bears a green coat of arms, highlighting the village green's historical significance as a transformer station and trading center, as well as a camp site for pilgrims along the VIA REGIA.
Property owners whose buildings also have a historical connection to the VIA REGIA and wish to document this with the Görlitz Initiative's white enamel sign can contact the municipal administration.
A sticker on the Rasdorf town entrance signs also informs visitors about Rasdorf's membership in the VIA REGIA network.
Various information signs pointing to the VIA REGIA have been installed in Rasdorf. The street name signs there also received information signs, as did the sandstone block on the village green, which already bears a green coat of arms, highlighting the village green's historical significance as a transformer station and trading center, as well as a camp site for pilgrims along the VIA REGIA.
Property owners whose buildings also have a historical connection to the VIA REGIA and wish to document this with the Görlitz Initiative's white enamel sign can contact the municipal administration.
A sticker on the Rasdorf town entrance signs also informs visitors about Rasdorf's membership in the VIA REGIA network.
Buttelstedt (Germany/Thuringia)
At its town entrance, directly on the historic route of the Via Regia, Buttelstedt erected a sandstone obelisk that commemorates the most significant milestones in the town's history and also points to its location on the old trade route.
The inscription reads:
"Town of Buttelstedt
First documented mention in 768
Trading and judicial center on the Via Regia
Market square in 1334
Granted town charter in 1454
Birthplace of the composers
J.F. Fasch and J.-L. Krebs"
At its town entrance, directly on the historic route of the Via Regia, Buttelstedt erected a sandstone obelisk that commemorates the most significant milestones in the town's history and also points to its location on the old trade route.
The inscription reads:
"Town of Buttelstedt
First documented mention in 768
Trading and judicial center on the Via Regia
Market square in 1334
Granted town charter in 1454
Birthplace of the composers
J.F. Fasch and J.-L. Krebs"
Markranstädt (Germany/Saxony)
Markranstädt advertises the VIA REGIA on an illuminated information column in front of the town hall. Markranstädt is located on the VIA REGIA section (today's B 87) between Leipzig and Lützen-Weißenfels, not far from the state border: Markranstädt is still in Saxony, while Lützen is already in Saxony-Anhalt.
Markranstädt advertises the VIA REGIA on an illuminated information column in front of the town hall. Markranstädt is located on the VIA REGIA section (today's B 87) between Leipzig and Lützen-Weißenfels, not far from the state border: Markranstädt is still in Saxony, while Lützen is already in Saxony-Anhalt.
Leipzig (Germany/Saxony)
The VIA REGIA is signposted in Leipzig's city center near the former city gates:
- Richard-Wagner-Platz / corner of Große Fleischergasse (on the way to the former Ranstädter Tor)
- Am Hallisches Tor / corner of Brühl (on the way to the former Hallisches Tor).
The first signs were installed at the end of August 2012. As part of the implementation, the via imperii was also signposted at two locations in the city center. With the completion of the new Markt S-Bahn station as part of the City Tunnel construction project, the installation of a bronze floor plate near the historic Waage site is planned for 2013 to provide information about the route of the old trade route in the city center.
The VIA REGIA is signposted in Leipzig's city center near the former city gates:
- Richard-Wagner-Platz / corner of Große Fleischergasse (on the way to the former Ranstädter Tor)
- Am Hallisches Tor / corner of Brühl (on the way to the former Hallisches Tor).
The first signs were installed at the end of August 2012. As part of the implementation, the via imperii was also signposted at two locations in the city center. With the completion of the new Markt S-Bahn station as part of the City Tunnel construction project, the installation of a bronze floor plate near the historic Waage site is planned for 2013 to provide information about the route of the old trade route in the city center.
Eilenburg (Germany/Saxony)
Since 2004, the Eilenburg City Museum in the Roter Hirsch has had a unique form of advertising: a 6.50-meter-high stele on the neighboring Kornmarkt square: the VIA REGIA Stele. The artwork, bearing the motto "The city on the river, on the road through time," was designed by Chemnitz artist Michael Stapf.
The stele not only promotes a visit to the museum, but also commemorates the VIA REGIA. Eilenburg, located on this most important east-west route, has benefited from trade on this road for many centuries and based a significant part of its prosperity on it.
The stele is complemented by a historical map of the Mulde-river town embedded in the pavement.
Since 2004, the Eilenburg City Museum in the Roter Hirsch has had a unique form of advertising: a 6.50-meter-high stele on the neighboring Kornmarkt square: the VIA REGIA Stele. The artwork, bearing the motto "The city on the river, on the road through time," was designed by Chemnitz artist Michael Stapf.
The stele not only promotes a visit to the museum, but also commemorates the VIA REGIA. Eilenburg, located on this most important east-west route, has benefited from trade on this road for many centuries and based a significant part of its prosperity on it.
The stele is complemented by a historical map of the Mulde-river town embedded in the pavement.
Königsbrück (Germany/Saxony)
The development of the town of Königsbrück is closely linked to the history of the VIA REGIA. At the time of the town's founding, the Pulsnitz River formed the border between the March of Meissen and Upper Lusatia, which was under the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of Bohemia. Where the VIA REGIA crossed the Pulsnitz, a customs station was established early on at this important ford.
By order of the Saxon Elector Augustus II, the traffic routes in Saxony were surveyed and documented at the beginning of the 18th century. His intention was to provide clear distance information for the main roads. The two columns intended for Königsbrück were manufactured in Dresden in 1724. The Baderbrücke and Schmorckauer Gasse behind the Hoyerswerda Gate were chosen as the locations. However, by 1880, they were deemed useless and a traffic hazard and were demolished. On the occasion of the inauguration of the ecumenical pilgrimage route VIA REGIA from Görlitz to Vacha, the architectural model building company VIA REGIA Königsbrück recreated one of the columns with the inscription VIA REGIA in 2002 and erected it at the old location on the Baderbrücke.
The development of the town of Königsbrück is closely linked to the history of the VIA REGIA. At the time of the town's founding, the Pulsnitz River formed the border between the March of Meissen and Upper Lusatia, which was under the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of Bohemia. Where the VIA REGIA crossed the Pulsnitz, a customs station was established early on at this important ford.
By order of the Saxon Elector Augustus II, the traffic routes in Saxony were surveyed and documented at the beginning of the 18th century. His intention was to provide clear distance information for the main roads. The two columns intended for Königsbrück were manufactured in Dresden in 1724. The Baderbrücke and Schmorckauer Gasse behind the Hoyerswerda Gate were chosen as the locations. However, by 1880, they were deemed useless and a traffic hazard and were demolished. On the occasion of the inauguration of the ecumenical pilgrimage route VIA REGIA from Görlitz to Vacha, the architectural model building company VIA REGIA Königsbrück recreated one of the columns with the inscription VIA REGIA in 2002 and erected it at the old location on the Baderbrücke.
Reichenbach/OL (Germany/Saxony)
In Saxony, the signage of the historic route of the VIA REGIA is being initiated by the VIA REGIA Begegnungsraum – Landesverband Sachsen e.V. (VIA Meeting Space – Saxony State Association). The city of Reichenbach/OL is the first beneficiary of the new signage. The city council unanimously approved the signage of the historic route of the VIA REGIA within the city. On March 7, 2009, the first sign was installed in the presence of District Administrator Bernd Lange.
So far the following have joined:
Schönteichen OT Schwosdorf
Markranstädt
Königsbrück
Weißenberg OT Wasserkretscham
Reichenbach/ OL OT Schöps
In Saxony, the signage of the historic route of the VIA REGIA is being initiated by the VIA REGIA Begegnungsraum – Landesverband Sachsen e.V. (VIA Meeting Space – Saxony State Association). The city of Reichenbach/OL is the first beneficiary of the new signage. The city council unanimously approved the signage of the historic route of the VIA REGIA within the city. On March 7, 2009, the first sign was installed in the presence of District Administrator Bernd Lange.
So far the following have joined:
Schönteichen OT Schwosdorf
Markranstädt
Königsbrück
Weißenberg OT Wasserkretscham
Reichenbach/ OL OT Schöps
Görlitz (Germany/Saxony)
The route of the VIA REGIA was marked in the historic city center of Görlitz with a simple sign, complementing the street name signs. In Thuringia, an independent initiative group has taken up this idea and promoted uniform signage along the VIA REGIA with the Görlitz VIA REGIA sign to other municipalities. The initiative group, with members from Thuringia and Saxony, is happy to encourage interested cities and municipalities to participate in this project.
Contact:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
So far the following have joined:
Wächtersbach (D/ Hesse)
Hünfeld (D/ Hesse)
Rasdorf (D/ Hesse)
Vacha/Rhön (D/ Thuringia)
Wutha-Farnroda, (D/ Thuringia)
Eisenach (D/ Thuringia)
Gotha (D/ Thuringia)
Erfurt (D/ Thuringia)
Kerspleben (D/ Thuringia)
Großmölsen (D/ Thuringia)
Ollendorf (D/ Thuringia)
Berlstedt (D/ Thuringia)
Eckartsberga (D/ Saxony-Anhalt)
Taugwitz (D/ Saxony-Anhalt)
Schulpforta (D/ Saxony-Anhalt)
Weißenfels (D/ Saxony-Anhalt)
Görlitz (D/ Saxony)
The route of the VIA REGIA was marked in the historic city center of Görlitz with a simple sign, complementing the street name signs. In Thuringia, an independent initiative group has taken up this idea and promoted uniform signage along the VIA REGIA with the Görlitz VIA REGIA sign to other municipalities. The initiative group, with members from Thuringia and Saxony, is happy to encourage interested cities and municipalities to participate in this project.
Contact:
So far the following have joined:
Wächtersbach (D/ Hesse)
Hünfeld (D/ Hesse)
Rasdorf (D/ Hesse)
Vacha/Rhön (D/ Thuringia)
Wutha-Farnroda, (D/ Thuringia)
Eisenach (D/ Thuringia)
Gotha (D/ Thuringia)
Erfurt (D/ Thuringia)
Kerspleben (D/ Thuringia)
Großmölsen (D/ Thuringia)
Ollendorf (D/ Thuringia)
Berlstedt (D/ Thuringia)
Eckartsberga (D/ Saxony-Anhalt)
Taugwitz (D/ Saxony-Anhalt)
Schulpforta (D/ Saxony-Anhalt)
Weißenfels (D/ Saxony-Anhalt)
Görlitz (D/ Saxony)
Kyjiw, Radomyshl, Zhytomyr, Ostroh, Rivne, Lutsk and Lviv (UA)
VIA REGIA tourist signposting in the Ukraine
The VIA REGIA – Ukraine network has produced 37 tourist information signs for eight Ukrainian cities (Kyjiw, Radomyshl, Zhytomyr, Ostroh, Rivne, Lutsk, and Lviv), 33 of which have already been installed, and the remaining four will be installed in Volodymyr in spring 2022. In addition, 11 signs were produced for partner organizations.
VIA REGIA tourist signposting in the Ukraine
The VIA REGIA – Ukraine network has produced 37 tourist information signs for eight Ukrainian cities (Kyjiw, Radomyshl, Zhytomyr, Ostroh, Rivne, Lutsk, and Lviv), 33 of which have already been installed, and the remaining four will be installed in Volodymyr in spring 2022. In addition, 11 signs were produced for partner organizations.