Petronell-Carnuntum

At Petronell-Carnuntum signs on both sides of the road indicate footpaths to Roman ruins. There is now only a hint at what was once a stronghold of the Roman power in Austria: only a couple of amphitheaters located in open meadows, some ruins of Roman houses, and a lonely stone gate remain. (To see what was found in the excavations, continue on a few kilometers farther to the town of Bad Deutsch Altenburg where most of the artifacts are displayed.) Although the excavation site is not dramatic, the Romans played such an important role in Austria’s history that it is good to soak in a bit of the mood—and besides, the walk through the fields to the amphitheaters is very pleasant.