Opened in 1977, the 73 hectare Xanten Archaeology Park is a unique cultural monument. Life-size reconstructions and original Roman buildings from Colonia Ulpia Traiana provide the setting for a fascinating journey back to antiquity. The park also includes the regional museum and the public baths.

In the footsteps of the Romans
The Romans left behind many traces of their occupation of Germany, and one of the best places to find out about the everyday lives of ordinary Romans is the Archaeological Park in Xanten. Colonia Ulpia Traiana had a population of 10,000 and was once the second-largest civilian settlement in the province of Lower Germania, after Cologne. It was named after Emperor Traiana, who granted the town its charter. Huge public buildings were erected here, including the town walls, temples, public baths and an amphitheatre. The settlement was laid out in a clear grid system and was surrounded by a wall. Reconstructions of typical buildings on the ancient site create a vivid picture of Roman city architecture for modern-day visitors.

About a quarter of the Roman town of Colonia Ulpia Traiana has been excavated and studied. Some of the buildings have been completely or partially reconstructed on the old foundations, including the town walls with tower, a town gate, an inn with bathhouse, amphitheatre, temple etc. The inn contains furnished rooms where visitors can see a kitchen, sleeping/living quarters and a dining room. Roman games can be played in the games house. Finds from the excavation sites are displayed in the Regional Museum. During the tour visitors can dress up in Roman clothes, and even the park's restaurant has a Roman theme.
» www.apx.lvr.de

A selection of other archaeology museums in Germany.