Keltenschanze

Can you picture a time long before the modern city, when Munich was a tapestry of rolling hills and lush forests? Right here, where we stand now within the city limits, lies the Keltenschanze. The Keltenschanze is a remnant of a time when the Celtic peoples, the Vindelici, roamed this land. It’s an archaeological marvel, a square-shaped enclosure typically measuring between 80 and 140 meters on each side. Imagine massive earthen walls, once towering three to four meters high, encircling this space. A deep ditch, perhaps two to three meters deep, would have formed a formidable barrier, protecting the inhabitants within. The Keltenschanze was more than just a fortress. It was a bustling hub of activity. Imagine families going about their daily lives, craftsmen working diligently in their workshops, and farmers tending their fields just outside the walls. Inside the Keltenschanze, archaeologists have uncovered the remnants of wooden buildings, arranged in a typical pattern. The largest structure usually stood opposite the entrance, while smaller structures occupied the corners, leaving a central open space. These robust buildings tell us that the Keltenschanze housed well-off farmers, showcasing their prosperity and status within the community. Although often linked to rural estates, some scholars believe that the Keltenschanze might have also served a dual purpose: as a place of religious significance. The square enclosures, setting them apart from the surrounding landscape, could have been a symbol of tradition and belief for the late La Tène Celts. Today, the Keltenschanze serves as a poignant reminder of Munich’s ancient past. It offers a glimpse into the lives of the Celtic people who called this area home centuries ago, their skills, their way of life, and perhaps even their spiritual beliefs. As you walk through this space, let your imagination take flight and journey back to a time when the Keltenschanze was a vibrant center of a thriving Celtic community.