Haidplatz is one of the oldest and most beautiful squares in Regensburg. It has its origins in an elongated triangular meadow ("heath") to the west of the former Roman fort. Over the centuries, magnificent buildings have been built here. Large knight tournaments with up to 300 participants took place on this square and spectators, jugglers and traders came from everywhere. Emperor Charles V was a regular guest at the “Golden Cross”. Today's café and hotel was also a popular hostelry for many subsequent emperors and kings during the Perpetual Reichstag. The room on the ground floor was at times the most important German inn. It was a meeting place for the powerful, from King Ludwig I of Bavaria to the later German Emperor Wilhelm I or Emperor Franz Josef I of Austria. Today the "Golden Cross" is one of the most popular cafes on the square. Next to the “Golden Cross” is the classicist Thon-Dittmer-Palais.