Author(s)

J. Heckes, D. Schrodt, A. Heim-Redekei & H. Klapperich

Abstract

Documenting, protecting and conserving cultural monuments: the historical underground area of Oppenheim J. Heckes*, D. Schrodt\ A. Heim-Redekei*, H. Klapperich** "DMT Gesellschaftfur Lehre und Bildung mbH, Bochum, Germany **DMT Gesellschaftfur Forschung und Prufung mbH, Essen, Germany 1 Introduction In a number of German cities, extensive interconnected and still preserved cellar systems were established, sometimes as early as the Middle Ages. (fig. 1). The cellar vaults with up to 4 levels, and of superb foundation engineering design, were used for essential storage purposes, which in historical times was often linked to brewing and beverage dispensing rights. In addition the underground facilities were used as shelters and escape routes. In the area of Oppenheim am Rhein (Germany), which is dominated by viticulture, the dimensions of the cellars are equivalent to that of a multi- functional underground city, equipped with a large number of traffic routes, drainage and well facil

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