Cologne was an important city on the Rhine River during Roman times; then called Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium. And besides one of Germany’s most impressive collections of local Roman artefacts in the Römisch-Germanisches Museum, there are still many Roman remnants dotted about the city for visitors to see. This page provides detailed information and an interactive map to enable you to see as many of the Roman points of interest as you want when visiting cologne. For more Roman sites and museums in Germany, see our Guide to Roman Germany.
- Thomas Dowson
- Last Checked and/or Updated 16 May 2024
- Germany
Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium was founded on the west bank of the Rhine River by the Romans around 39 BC. Cologne is then one of the oldest cities in Germany. What had been the settlement of a Germanic tribe became the capital of Roman Germania Inferior and the headquarters of the military in the province. Sometime between 308 and 310 AD Emperor Constantine ordered the construction of a bridge across the Rhine from Colonia to the east bank, where between 310 and 315 AD the military fort of Divitia was built (minor remains of which can be seen today).Â
Interactive Map of Roman Sites & Landmarks in Cologne
As most of the markers pinpoint fragments of the city wall and its towers, the extent of the Roman city is clearly seen on the map below. After loading the map, click on the ‘satellite’ button in the top lefthand corner of the map, and then drag the yellow pegman (in the lower righthand corner) onto the map – in most cases you will get a good 360 degree view of the landmark. Click on the markers for more information and a photograph.
Roman Ruins in Cologne with Public but Restricted Access
- Ubier Monument – first Thursday of the month 14h00 – 17h00 Official Website
- Weiden Roman Grave – Thursday & Saturday: 10h00 – 13h00, Sunday 14h00 -17h00 Read More
Römisch-Germanisches Museum
Add Roman Cologne to Your Itineraries & Travel Lists
If you are planning a trip to Cologne, you can create your own travel lists (such as places you have been to, places you would like to visit) and an itinerary for your visit. These can also be shared with your friends and on social media. You can see how this is done by watching our Using the Itinerary video on YouTube, or reading the Using the Itinerary page.
For more sites and museums in the city, see out Cologne City Guide and the Cologne Trip Planner. For more places to visit in the country, see our Germany Travel Guide, and our Guide to Roman Sites & Museums in Germany.
Cologne - Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium
Colonia was always an important town for the Romans; the capital of the province of Germania Inferior and later the capital of Germania Secunda. The regional headquarters of the military in the region was based here. There are a number of features to see in the city, including sections of the wall and towers. The Roman museum, exhibitions are currently in a temporary location, was built on the foundations of a townhouse and displays its mosaic floor of Dionysius.
Divitia Fort in Deutz
At the beginning of the 4th century AD, Emperor Constantine built a fort on the right bank of the Rhine, opposite Colonia. Part of the Roman Limes, it was intended to strengthen the Empire’s border. A textbook example of a late Roman fort, it is well known as a result of numerous excavations, despite there being very little to see. The preserved walls of the east gate are visible. Where possible, the outline of the fort is marked in the pavement. In 1002 AD Deutz Abbey was built on the remains, and much later a Prussian fortification incorporated the NW Roman tower. The western half was destroyed during the construction of a 19th century river embankment.
Weiden Roman Tomb
Discovered in 1843, this Roman tomb is the best preserved funerary monument of its kind north of the Alps. Situated on the Via Belgica, it was about 9kms from the western gate of Colonia. Several generations of a wealthy Roman family were buried in this richly furnished burial chamber associated with a nearby villa rustica (this has not been found). The tomb is all but original, with original funerary furniture, including a beautifully carved Carrara marble sarcophagus.
Belgisches Haus
The Belgian House was home to the Consulate General for Belgium until 2015, hence the name. Constructed in 1948/49 by the Belgian state to serve citizens of that nation living in the surrounding states. Today, the first two floors house the temporary exhibition of the Römisch-Germanisches Museum, while that venue undergoes a major refurbishment. While the exhibition does not include everything, it is nonetheless a substantial exhibition and should not be missed.
Archaeology Travel Writer
