About
Carnuntum Archaeological Park lies in Petronell-Carnuntum, in Lower Austria, and it is one of the country's most substantial Roman sites. It makes a full day out for anyone curious about how people lived on the edge of the ancient Roman world.
What you will see
- Authentic Roman architecture, along with buildings that have been reconstructed on their original foundations
- The ruins of a gladiator school, which give a sense of the training that took place here
- Recreated ancient streets, which let you walk the kind of routes residents once used
- Interactive museums that present everyday life in ancient Rome in a hands-on way
What a visit is like
The park suits visitors who like to combine looking at real ruins with seeing how they might once have appeared. The mix of original stonework and reconstructions helps you picture the site as a living town rather than a set of scattered remains. Families and history enthusiasts alike tend to find the interactive exhibits a good way to bring the subject to life.
Gladiator demonstrations are part of the programme, so if you are interested in that side of Roman culture, it is worth checking what is on during your planned visit. Because the site is extensive, allow time to move between areas at a relaxed pace rather than trying to see everything in a rush.
Around the park
Petronell-Carnuntum sits in Lower Austria, a region where the Roman past is woven into the landscape. Pairing a visit to the park with time in the surrounding countryside makes for an easy and rewarding outing.