Ladenburg is said to be the oldest town in Germany on the right bank of the Rhine and north of the Danube. Long before Roman times it was a commercial and trade center in the area. Situated not far from Heidelberg, it is a witness to the Roman era. Due to the efforts of archeologist Dr. Berndmark Heukemes and the active members of the Heimatbund, history has been made visible: from the Celtic centre of the Heiligenberg near Heidelberg to Ladenburg, from the Elb Germans, the Suebi Nicrenses to the Romans and their castels and their villages. Emperor Ulpius made Ladenburg the main town of the Civitas Ulpia Sueborum Nicrensium. The Roman city called "Lopodunum" has a forum with a market basilica, temple, theater, thermal baths, palaces and town wall.
A port fortification was built here after the Alamanians and after the reconquest by Emperor Valentinian in 369 . In 496, the Merowingians built a royal court. Lobdenburg became the capital of the Lobdengau.
In 628, the Franconian king Dagobert renders the town and the district to the bishopric of Worms. The bishop's court serves as a royal court − the later residence of the bishops of Worms. The bishops of Worms reside in Ladenburg until 1705 − at which time the town becomes a Palatine Administrative center.
The impressive history of this town is illustrated in the Lobdengau museum. There are findings from primeval times and exhibits from the earlier and later Stone Age, findings from the Hallstatt and La-Tène culture of the Celts and the Neckarsueben (see also the St. Andreasstift in Worms!)
We will mainly concentrate on the Roman times: with the Sol-Mithras-relief, the Jupiter-Juno-column, the Minerva three-gods-relief scene, Fortuna, Merkur, the archeological excavation section through the castel, diaramas, Terra-Sigillata-collections and much more.
Then the Franconian era follows with the grave findings. Altogether, this museum is truly worth a visit! It is situated in the former castle of the Worms bishops. Constructed above Roman ruins (excavations are still being carried out) and within the medieval town fortification, its architecture visible today is in the Renaissance style.
On the way to the old town there are further sights: The town wall, the bishop's court, Burgus, dome court, market place with its idyllic half-timber houses such as the little pastry bakers' house, the Baroque "Alte Rathaus", Marienbrunnen fountain and Neunheller-house.
Further sights include: the St. Gallus church with its exciting history including the foundations of the Roman basilica, the side portal with Tympanon, the Roman forum, the bishop's court, the Carolingian tower with Sebastian chapel, Jupiter column, Roman column and foundations of the medieval Pfaffenturm, Cronberger Hof, the Adelshöfe, Jesuitenhof, Hexenturm and Martinstor and Altes Kloster. Wonderful inns are just waiting for you to come to take a break: Die Zwiwwel, Im Lustgarten, Zur Sackpfeife, Die Kartoffel.
On various round walks you can experience the history of this unique town. Of course, the length of the stay in Ladenburg is up to you. In only 20 minutes we will drive you back to Heidelberg in our spacious panorama buses with 8 seats.
Suitable for all ages between 6−99
It will take around 20 minutes to get there from Heidelberg (ca. 15 km)
The tour is suitable for wheelchair users.
