Is it possible that these ancient stones were silent witnesses to the rise and fall of empires? You are standing before the Römermauern. These Roman walls whisper tales of a time long ago. They mark a significant era in Liechtenstein’s past.
The area that is now Liechtenstein was once a part of the Roman province of Raetia. A Roman road cut through this region. It stretched from south to north. It crossed the Alps via the Splügen Pass. This road ran along the Rhine’s right bank. Periodic flooding often left it uninhabited for long stretches.
Discoveries in Schaanwald and Nendeln reveal the presence of Roman villas. At Schaan, you can still see the remains of a Roman fort. This fort memorializes the Alemanni’s arrival from the north.
The Römermauern stand as silent sentinels. They remind us that this land was once a vital part of the Roman Empire. The Via Claudia Augusta was crucial. It was one of the highways the Romans constructed. It helped them build their colonies.
The Romans left a lasting impact on Liechtenstein. Roman artifacts have been unearthed here. These finds prove the Roman influence in the region. The fort at Schaan was built after the mid-4th century AD. It guarded the highway linking Curia and Brigantium. These cities were on opposite sides of the Alps. It’s thought the fort was abandoned around 401 AD. Stilicho recalled troops north of the Alps at that time. Some occupation may have lingered into the 5th century.
This fort was almost square. It measured roughly 59 to 60.5 meters on each side. Square towers stood at each corner. Additional towers were positioned in the middle of the north and south sides. The north tower served as the entrance. It had inner and outer gates. A room sat between these gates. The walls were notably thick. Curtain walls measured 3.6 meters. The towers had walls 1.9 meters thick.
Inside the fort, there were baths. These measured 13 by 5 meters. Wooden casemates provided shelter. A kitchen served the garrison. There was possibly a granary too. Traces of workshops for iron and hartshorn were found.
Later in the 5th or 6th century a baptistery was constructed. Additionally, a church dedicated to St. Peter was erected inside the walls. Parts of the north wall and its central tower still stand. They are incorporated into the church. The church dates back to around 1500 in its current form. Remains of earlier church structures are also preserved here.
The Römermauern, therefore, represent more than just ancient ruins. They embody the layered history of Liechtenstein. They speak of Roman engineering. They tell of subsequent settlements. They echo with the whispers of centuries past.
As you stand here reflect on the passage of time. Imagine the soldiers who once walked these walls. Consider the lives touched by this place. The Römermauern offer a tangible connection. They link us to the distant past. They allow us to appreciate the rich tapestry of Liechtenstein’s history.