Xanten: A Roman City on the Lower Rhine
Overview
Xanten is an attractive medieval town on the lower Rhine in Germany which was founded by the Romans in c.15 BCE as Castra Vetera. Xanten is famed for its Open Air Archeological Park, where the Roman fort walls and various buildings from the Roman town of Colonia Ulpia Traiana have been reconstructed. Xanten is also at the centre of a German epic known as the Nibelungen saga, whose story revolves around Siegfried, Prince of Xanten. Xanten used to be a port on the Rhine, but now lies several hundred metres away.
Roman History
Xanten was the location of one of the four permanent Roman bridges across the Rhine. It was the first HQ for the Roman Navy on the Rhine, the Classis Germanica. It was a double fortress with two legions, probably the Legio XVII (c.15 BCE-9 CE) and Legio XVIII (c.15 BCE-9 CE). Then in 9 CE, the catastrophic Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, led to both legions never returning to Xanten. They were replaced by two more legions, but just sixty years later another catastrophe hit Xanten, when both legions were massacred in the Batavian Revolt of 69 CE. The Batavians managed to set up a breakaway Kingdom of Batavia along the Rhine. The Rebellion was suppressed in 70 CE, and to prevent this happening again, both the legionary and Navy HQ were moved to Cologne permanently, and the Fortress in Xanten was developed into the city of Colonia Ulpia Traiana.
Later History
Xanten was occupied by the Franks from the 5th century onwards. Around 700 CE a church was built on what was thought to be the grave of St. Viktor and called Sanctos (Place of Saints), which is how Xanten got its name. The attractive medieval town grew up around the religious centre. In 939 CE, the Holy Roman Emperor Otto I defeated a major rebellion near Xanten. Between 1263-1544, Saint Victor’s cathedral was built. In 1200 CE the heroic poem, ‘Nibelungenlied’ and the heroes of the ‘Nibelungen saga’ was written, a saga that incorporates history and mythology and forms part of German and Scandinavian culture. It is centred on the mythical Siegfried of Xanten.
Xanten Walking Tour
- Your geolocation will appear as a blue dot that moves on the map as you walk.
- You may start anywhere on the map and just follow the blue line to the next point of interest.
Things to do and Places to Visit in Xanten
1. LVR-Archeological Park Xanten
Xanten Open Air Archeological Park
Description: Xanten Archeological Park is Europe’s largest open air museum on the site of the Roman Legionary Fortress of Castra Vetera and the town of Colonia Ulpia Traiana. To help get around, a small tourist train regularly tours the site.
The reconstructed buildings include Roman Baths which had double glazing to keep Baths warm in winter, a Roman military hospital built to house 6-8 per cent of the Legions soldiers, a Roman Temple, a Roman Amphitheatre, a Roman Hotel, the Roman city walls and gates and a Roman Lifting Crane.
2. Klever Gate
Description: Guarding access to the northwestern part of Xanten, is the impressive Klever Gate. Built in 1393, this is the only surviving medieval gate from the old city of Xanten. Klever Gate is a double gate where the outer towers and the inner tower are connected by a bridge over what used to be the medieval city moat, but which is now a park. The gate was restored to its present condition in 1843, and again after 1945.
3. Kriemhild Windmill
Description: Opposite the Archeological Park is Xanten medieval town centre. Kriemhild windmill is located on top of the old city wall as it was built originally as a defensive tower. This is the only working windmill to operate daily on the lower Rhine. It restarted making bread in 1992, which can be bought in the mill shop and is also sold locally. Visitors can observe the internal mechanism at work, watch flour being ground, enjoy a coffee in the garden outside and even climb the stairs to the top and see the panoramic view.
Historical Insight: The windmill is a ‘Dutch Gallery Mill’, fitted with a dome that rotates at the top and a circular wooden walkway below. The vanes are placed at an angle so the sails don’t collide with the tower in strong winds.
4. Stifts Museum: The Chapter Museum
Description: This is an ecclesiastical Museum with rare examples on display of the goldsmith’s art, wood carvings, liturgical vestments, sculptures, books and the history of the Canons Foundry in Xanten.
5. De Pauw Obelisk
Description: In front of the cathedral stands the De Pauw Obelisk: Cornelius de Pauw (1739-1799) was a Dutch philosopher, geographer and diplomat at the court of Frederick the Great of Prussia. He was reputed in his lifetime to be Europe’s foremost authority on the Americas (yet he never visited the Americas). Due to his scholarly work and owing to the fact he also had French Nationality, Napoleon Bonaparte erected this Obelisk in his honour.
6. Saint Victor Cathedral
Description: Constructed between 1263-1544, the cathedral is a classic example of Gothic architecture. It is named after Victor of Xanten, a 4th century Christian legionary, who is believed to have been executed in the Xanten Amphitheatre. The cathedral is the largest cathedral between the sea and Cologne. The cathedral library houses one of the most important religious libraries on the lower Rhine. Although it is called a cathedral, it has never been the seat of a Bishop.
7. Marktplatz Xanten
Description: This large and attractive town square is surrounded by many lively bars and restaurants and various museums. The cobbled surface enhances the atmospheric medieval buildings that surround it. Various events and markets are held here throughout the year.
8. Xanten City Hall
Description: Located at 2 Karthaus on Marktplatz, the Xanten Rathaus was originally built in 1628 as a Carthusian monastery. After restoration it is now used as the Town Hall.
9. Gothic House
Description: Located at Bruckstrasse 10, just off Market Square, the Gothic House exhibits an impressive facade made using glass, local red bricks and stones from the nearby Roman fort. Built around 1540, the building probably served as a trading house for a wealthy merchant. Today, it houses a cafe and restaurant.
10. Siegfried Museum
Description: Located at Kurfurstenstrasse 9, the museum displays objects, productions, films and installations that are dedicated to the heroic poem, ‘Nibelungenlied’ and the heroes of the ‘Nibelungen saga’. This is a heroic saga written around 1200 CE, that incorporates history and mythology and forms part of German and Scandinavian culture.
Historical Insight: During the 19th and 20th centuries, it was considered the national epic of the Germans. Richard Wagner based his world famous Opera, ‘The Ring of the Nibelungen’ (1876) on this saga.The story revolves around Siegfried of Xanten, who slays the Dragon to win the ring, and how after his death, his lover Brunnhilde returns the ring to the Rhinemaidens. The saga starts in 436 CE, with the breakaway Burgundian Kingdom under Gunthahar being crushed by the Roman general Aetius, helped by his Hunnic auxiliary soldiers. It continues with the Battle of Chalons in 451, the death of Attila the Hun in 453, and the death of Brunichildi in 613, before entering the German High Middle Ages and ending in 1200.
Further Afield
11. The Lakes
Description: To the northwest of the LVR-Archeological Park are two large man-made lakes where gravel used to be extracted. The Xantener Nordsee and the Xanterner Sudsee which are now used for water sports, sailing and swimming. Both lakes have scenic circular footpaths to walk around.
Between 83-90 CE, two new Provinces of Germania Inferior and Germania Superior were created along the Rhine Frontier and split off from Gaul. They were centred respectively on Cologne and Mainz.
Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for mild weather and fewer tourists.
- Photography hotspots: Castra Vetera Open Air Archeological Park, Xanten old town, St. Victor’s cathedral
- Nearby Attractions: Wuppertal Suspension Monorail
Visitor FAQ
- What is Xanten famous for?
- LVR-Archeological Park with a reconstruction of a legionary fortress, Siegfried of Xanten and the Nibelungen saga.
- Can I see Roman Ruins in Xanten?
- Yes. The LVR-Archeological Park is full of reconstructed ruins and the museum holds a huge selection of the artefacts excavated there.
- How far is Dusseldorf from Xanten city centre?
- Approximately 55 minutes by car.
- Are there Guided Tours of Xanten historical sites?
- Yes, local guides offer walking tours highlighting the cathedral, the Old Town and other venues.
- Is Castra Vetera the same as Xanten?
- Yes. Castra Vetera was a legionary fortress until 70 CE, before it became the civilian city of Colonia Ulpia Traiana, associated with nearby modern Xanten.
- Which Roman Province was Castra Vetera located in?
- What was the role of Castra Vetera (Xanten) in the Roman Empire?
- Castra Vetera controlled one of the four bridges across the Rhine. It was a major fortress protecting the frontier.
- Which Roman Roads connected Xanten?
- The Rhine Frontier military road, which ran from the North Sea to Switzerland.
Quick Facts
- Modern Location: Xanten, Germany
- Category: Historic city centre, Roman legionary fortress and city, 13th century cathedral, tourist destination
- Activities: Walking tours, Sightseeing, Photography
- Nearby Roman Site: LVR-Open Air Archeological site
- Nearest Roman road: Rhine Frontier military Road
- Roman Province: Germania Inferior
Nearby Attractions
Wuppertal Schwebebahn
Neuss Roman Watchtower
