The Story of the City
Carnuntum was a fortified Roman city founded 2000 years ago, as early as the 1st century AD. The city served the legions of the Roman Empire who came to defend its northern borders from the Germanic tribes. At its peak, the city had about 50,000 inhabitants. The place was an important trade center and was located right on the trade route called the Amber Road. On this route, merchants from northeastern Europe passed on their way to Italy. For about 300 years the city was a prosperous place until the invasion of the Germanic tribes in 374 AD. The invaders destroyed most of the city and it remained largely in ruins until it was completely abandoned during the period of the barbarian invasions and served as a cemetery. The new military center moved to the Vindobona camp, which was located where the Bermuda Triangle of the city of Vienna is today. Eventually, the ruins of the city were buried and forgotten.
Archaeological excavations at the site have uncovered the remains of the ancient city and a variety of ancient items from Roman times have been found there. Today the place serves as a museum of Roman culture and history in the area. Some of the ancient buildings have been reconstructed and they create a real atmosphere of an ancient Roman city.
The Archaeological Site, the Museum, and the Roman Festival
The archaeological site in Carnuntum is a place where the Romans come to life. The open-air museum is located near the village of Petronell-Carnuntum. In the past, there were only ruined buildings on the site, but today there are reconstructed buildings and it feels as if the city has come back to life. You can walk through the streets of the city and learn about the lives of its inhabitants. Inside the reconstructed buildings, you can see furniture, kitchen design, heating systems, household items, wall paintings, and more that have been restored in the spirit of the Roman period.
The most important places you can see are: the city quarter with the reconstructed houses, the ruins of the temple, the Heidentor (Heathen’s Gate) triumphal arch.
The Carnuntinum Museum, also part of the archaeological site, is located in a small village called Bad Deutsch-Altenburg. The village is about 3.5 kilometers from the open-air museum complex. The Carnuntinum Museum displays a variety of interesting finds that were discovered during the archaeological excavations. This village also houses the amphitheater of the ancient military camp. Next to the amphitheater, there is a small museum that presents the history of the gladiators.
In addition to archaeological displays, a large Roman festival is held every year in June. During the festival, there are reenactments of battles between the Romans and the Germanic tribes. Many of the participants are dressed in special clothes as the legionaries or members of the Germanic tribes would have worn and simulate the battles that took place 2000 years ago.
This is what the Roman festival looks like:
Essential Information for Visiting Carnuntum
Opening Hours:
The city of Carnuntum is open to visitors from March 15th to November 15th, every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Prices:
The entrance ticket includes the reconstructed Roman city, the amphitheater, and the Carnuntinum Museum. You do not have to visit all of them on the same day.
- Adult: €14
- Student, Senior: €12
- Youth (15-18): €12
- Children and Youth (6-15): €6
- Children under 6 accompanied by an adult: Free
A guided tour of the city in English can be arranged. Please contact by email: <a href=”mailto:roemerstadt@carnuntum.at” target=”_blank”>roemerstadt@carnuntum.at</a>
You can download a free and well-designed app that will enrich your visit. You can walk through the city streets and see how they come to life through your smartphone screen. For more information and download.
Inside the complex, there are two restaurants offering lunch as well as light meals during the day.
Important Addresses:
- Ancient Roman City: Hauptstraße 1A, 2404 Petronell-Carnuntum
- Carnuntinum Museum: Badgasse 40-46, 2405 Bad Deutsch-Altenburg
- Amphitheater at the Military Camp: Wiener Straße 52, 2405 Bad Deutsch-Altenburg
How to get from Vienna to the ancient Roman city of Carnuntum?
You can easily reach Carnuntum by train from Vienna.
From the Wien Mitte – Landstraße station, take the regional train S7 towards Wolfsthal. This is the same train that goes to Vienna Airport. The journey takes about an hour and you should get off at the Petronell-Carnuntum station. From the station, you have to walk for about 15 minutes following the signs.
The way back is the same.
The Carnuntinum Museum is in the nearby village. You can continue with the S7 train to the Bad Deutsch-Altenburg station and from there it is about a 20-minute walk to the museum.
You can plan your trip using the Austrian railway website.
If you are arriving by car, you can park for free in one of the complex’s parking lots.
