Xanten Archaeological Park

Colonia Ulpia Traiana was founded around AD 100 on the Lower Rhine and held perhaps ten thousand people. It was abandoned after the fourth century and the medieval town of Xanten grew a little to the north, so the Roman site was farmed rather than built on and its street grid, walls and buildings survive intact below ground. Since 1977 an archaeological park has covered the site, with reconstructions built on the original foundations using period methods where possible: a stretch of city wall, gates, an amphitheatre, a temple, a hostel and a bath house under a protective hall with the excavated remains visible beneath.

Highlights

• The untouched plan - a Roman colony never built over by a later town.
• The reconstructions - walls, gates and buildings raised on original foundations.
• The bath house hall - excavated remains under a protective modern shelter.
• The amphitheatre - a rebuilt arena used for events.

When to go

April to October; the park is open year-round with reduced winter hours. Roman festival weekends bring reenactors. The site is large and open with little shade.

Practical notes

Buildings are reconstructions, though on genuine foundations. The site is large with long walks. Winter closes some indoor sections.

Nearby

The Lower Rhine runs alongside; the Dutch border is northwest.

Key facts