Medieval stone cellar discovered at Molkenmarkt

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  Archaeologists discovered the stone cellar of a previously unknown building dating from the late Middle Ages.

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  Despite several renovations, the cellar has survived for centuries.

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  Senator for Urban Development Christian Gaebler visited the basement at Molkenmarkt.

In Berlin's historic Mitte district, archaeologists have discovered the remains of a previously unknown medieval structure. During excavations at Molkenmarkt, a large stone cellar dating from the 14th or early 15th century was uncovered, according to the State Office for the Preservation of Historical Monuments.

“The stone cellar may have served as a storage and trading cellar and was part of a previously unknown, large, and imposing late-medieval building,” explained Eberhard Völker, the project’s scientific director from the Berlin State Office for the Preservation of Historical Monuments, during a press tour.

The discovery is considered unusual because the cellar is relatively large for its time and has been preserved for centuries. It measures at least 8.50 meters in length and nearly 7.50 meters in width. Among other things, the excavation uncovered remnants of walls, niches, and openings for light and ventilation.

The cellar has been preserved for centuries

According to the report, despite several renovations and expansions, the cellar’s basic structure remained intact for centuries. It was not until the war that the building was destroyed. According to the State Office for the Preservation of Historical Monuments, the backfilling and sealing of the site after 1945 contributed to the fact that the remains are still unusually well-preserved.

Excavations have been underway at Molkenmarkt since 2019. The work is expected to continue until 2027. According to Senator for Urban Development Christian Gaebler (SPD), the project is one of the largest urban archaeological investigations in Germany. In the coming days, the excavated cellar will first be backfilled to protect it from environmental influences.