Xanten Archaeological Park

Xanten Archaeological Park Roman Boed on Flickr (Creative Commons)

While this may be Germany’s largest open-air archeological museum, the Xanten Archaeological Park may also be the only park of its kind in the world.

Built on the site of ancient Roman Xanten, the museum has recreated a number of full scale buildings as they were in the time of the Romans. The rebuilt structures include rows of towering Roman columns, a full-size gladiatorial amphitheater, city walls with guard towers, and even a tall temple that can be seen from the harbor. In addition to the interactive, life-size attractions the museum also has a modern exhibition building where they can display the more delicate artifacts from the time.

Know Before You Go

The best way to get to Xanten by car is to take the A 57 motorway.

Leave the A 57 motorway at the Sonsbeck exit and drive in the direction of Sonsbeck/Xanten. Then follow the signs: Turn right onto Kevelaerer Strasse/L491 (signposted Sonsbeck/Xanten); then, after 2 kilometres turn left onto Hochstrasse/L480. Stay on this road for 10 kilometres; then, turn left onto B 57. After 1.5 kilometres, turn left onto Wardter Strasse/Varusring. After 20 metres, turn right into the parking lot of the Archaeological Park.