Archaeological Park Carnuntum (Römerstadt Carnuntum)

The basics

Get a rare glimpse of what daily life was like in ancient Rome. The Archaeological Park Carnuntum’s collection of homes, villas, and baths feature heating systems, frescoes, and furnishings that are modeled on those of ancient Rome. In addition, Roman history enthusiasts can visit original ruins at the nearby amphitheater, and see Austria’s most extensive collection of ancient artifacts at the site’s museum. Here, you will find archaeological treasures discovered at Carnuntum like coins, ceramics, and jewelry.

Things to know before you go

• The attractions in the Roman Quarter are not ancient ruins, but life-sized models based on in-depth research and built with hand tools like the Romans once used. Meanwhile, the amphitheater and Heathen’s Gate are ancient ruins dating from the second and fourth centuries.
• Carnuntum is a large site with indoor and outdoor attractions, so wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
• Tickets include admission to the Roman Quarter, amphitheater, and museum.
• The site offers a number of kid-focused tours and activities for young archaeologists, as well as a playground and large outdoor spaces to run off some steam.
• The Roman Quarter is partially accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, while the amphitheater and museum are accessible via ramps.

How to get there

The Carnuntum Archaeological Park is located in two neighboring villages: the Roman Quarter is in Petronell-Carnuntum and the amphitheater and museum are in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg. You can reach both by car from Vienna in about 30 minutes; there is free parking at the sites. Alternatively, take the train from either Vienna or Bratislava and walk about 15–20 minutes to each attraction’s entrance.

When to get there

The park includes indoor and outdoor attractions, so visit on a clear, dry day to take it all in. Special costumed gladiator demonstrations and other family-friendly events inspired by ancient Rome are held regularly; check the website for an updated schedule. The park is open daily from mid-March to mid-November.

The history of the ancient city of Carnuntum

Some 1,700 years ago, Carnuntum was a military barracks on the Danube. By the first century, it had expanded into the most important town in the region, a hub for amber trading with around 50,000 residents. Like most Roman settlements in central Europe, Carnuntum was destroyed by German tribal raiders in the fourth century; the town fell into decay and the ruined buildings were plundered for their stone. Two millennia later, aerial mapping permitted researchers to unearth the remaining ruins and reconstruct a residential area as it would have looked in ancient times.