The park is built on the site of Colonia Ulpia Traiana, a city founded by Emperor Trajan around 100 AD.
The amphitheater is a fully functional venue that hosts concerts and plays during the summer months.
The LVR-Römermuseum is constructed over the foundations of the original Roman basilica.
Many of the reconstruction materials were sourced to mimic the original building techniques used by the Romans 2,000 years ago.
The harbor temple was reconstructed using a sophisticated digital architectural model based on the ruins found on-site.
Excavations at Xanten have yielded over a million individual archaeological finds.
The city walls originally spanned over 3 kilometers, and significant sections have been mapped and stabilized.
Archaeological Park Xanten (APX) is built directly upon the remains of the Roman city Colonia Ulpia Traiana, one of the most important Roman settlements in Germania Inferior. The site features life-sized reconstructions of key Roman structures, including an amphitheater, a temple, and an inn. The on-site LVR-Römermuseum houses original archaeological finds recovered during extensive ongoing excavations. Visitors can walk through reconstructed city gates and residential quarters that provide a realistic scale of Roman urban planning. The park functions as an active research site where archaeologists continue to reveal the foundations of the ancient harbor and defensive walls. Outdoor exhibits utilize the original footprints of the historical buildings to maintain spatial accuracy. The site spans a vast area, incorporating meadows and playgrounds alongside the historical reconstructions. Interactive workshops and live demonstrations often recreate ancient crafts and Roman military life.
The upper tiers of the Roman Amphitheater overlooking the reconstruction of the city gates.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, as the park covers a massive area with gravel and grass paths.
Check the event calendar online before arriving to see if live gladiator demonstrations or craft workshops are scheduled.
The site is largely outdoors, so plan your visit according to the weather forecast.
Trying to see everything in less than three hours; the scale of the site requires significant walking time.
Open daily throughout the year, though outdoor reconstruction buildings may have restricted access during winter months.
