At first glance, the Carnuntinum Roman Museum in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg looks like a villa rustica. In fact, it was only opened in 1904. It houses artefacts from the Roman town of Carnuntum and is considered the biggest Roman museum in Austria.
Tag: Lower Austria
Schloss Hof in Marchfeld
Schloss Hof is the largest castle of the five Marchfeld Palaces between Vienna and Bratislava. Two famous owners – Prince Eugene of Savoy and Empress Maria Therese – transformed it into a Baroque gem with a French garden stretched onto seven terraces.
Testudo Formation in Carnuntum
Probably the most iconic Roman military tactic is the tortoise (testudo) formation. At least, if you are a fan of the Asterix comic album series. In this part of a show at a Carnuntum festival, a reenactment group presents how such a formation develops.
Roman legionaries in Carnuntum
The Carnuntum Archeology Park hosts reenactment festivals with shows about Roman military routines and civic customs several times yearly. Numerous friend societies of Roman history provide visitors with parades of Roman legionaries.
Roman Wedding in Carnuntum
The Archeological Park of Carnuntum entertains visitors with reenactments like this Roman wedding. That way, people learn the bride used to be veiled during the celebration. Besides civic traditions, Carnuntum also presents military routines.
Roman fashion show in Carnuntum
Fashion shows are another appreciated event during Carnuntum festivals. During such presentations, people hear about different dresses in Roman history. That way, the audience also learns how many steps are needed to put on a traditional toga.
Steam powered fire pump (1911)
At Stift Geras (Geras Abbey), I saw an exhibition about local fire brigades. One exhibit was this steam-powered fire pump dating back to 1911. The pump served in the fire brigade of the Austrian city of Horn.
Heidentor in Carnuntum
On a train journey from Vienna to Carntuntum-Petronell, travellers have this photo of an ancient Roman monument. The structure is part of the archaeology park Carnuntum. Local people call this monument Heidentor (Pagans’ Gate).
Tower of Schallaburg Castle
While approaching Schallaburg Castle on foot, you first see this tower. It gives an impression of the beauty of this Renaissance palace in the Austrian state of Lower Austria (Niederösterreich). Today, the castle is known for remarkable exhibitions.
Haus Stöhr in Sankt Pölten
Near Sankt Pölten Central Station, the Stöhr Haus impresses with a fine Art-Nouveau decoration. It is also known as Olbrich House, named after its architect Joseph Maria Olbrich (1867-1908).
Round chapel in Petronell
Near the Archaeological Park in Petronell-Carnuntum, you see this round chapel from the 12th century. Its conical roof dates back to the 17th century. The chapel is dedicated to St John the Baptist (Johannes der Täufer).
Man with nacked bottom
You find this peculiar detail at Schallaburg Castle (Schallaburg): A sculpture of a man showing his bottom. Such sculptures served as a defence against harm and evil spirits. Together with the Dog Lady, it is one of the most fascinating sculptures in this palace.