5-711: Via Imperii (Imperial Road) was one of the most important of a class of roads known collectively as imperial roads ( German : Reichsstraßen ) of the Holy Roman Empire . This old trade route ran in a south–north direction from Venice on the Adriatic Sea and Verona in the Kingdom of Italy across the Brenner Pass through Germany to the Baltic coast passing the following cities: The cities on
10-547: The Holy Roman Empire that afforded protection to travellers in return for tolls collected for the emperor. The Reichsstraße came under royal jurisdiction ( Königsbann ) and travellers were afforded the protection of the Landfrieden , a law that was supposed to ensure peace and unhindered passage similar to the Queen's peace . From the 10th century it was also extended to bridges and ferries. Under King Henry I of Germany
15-450: The taxes . He invested the territorial rulers through whose lordships the roads ran, with the execution of these duties. A safe-conduct letter ( tote Geleit ) or an armed escort ( lebende Geleit ), ensured the safety of the travellers. The escort was provided on specified occasions, of which travelling to the election and coronation of Roman-German kings and emperors was the most important, whereas travelling to trade fairs and markets were
20-818: The route held the privilege of staple right , merchants were obliged to use the toll road and in turn enjoyed protection by the Imperial authority under the terms of the Landfrieden . Parts of the historic route are today marked by the Italian Strada Statale No. 12, the Austrian Landesstraßen B 182 and B 177 and the German Bundesstraße 2 . Imperial road In medieval times, imperial roads ( German : Reichsstraße ) were designated routes in
25-468: The term Reichsstrasse ( des riches strâze in Middle High German ) was used for the first time as a translation of strata imperialis . According to Charlemagne 's legislation, based on Gallic public law , the maintenance of roads, the responsibility for transport infrastructure and security were part of the duties and privileges of the king, his " regalia ". In return the king received
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