Castra of Steincheshof

The Castra of Steincheshof is a Roman military fort with remains of earthwork defenses, stone foundations, and building structures near the Rhine. The site sits on slightly elevated ground and covers several hectares with partly visible ramparts and excavated floor plans of former structures.

The fort was built in the 1st century as part of Rome's defensive line against Germanic tribes and served as a key outpost for centuries. Later it was abandoned and the structures gradually deteriorated from weathering and ground shifts.

The excavations reveal how Roman soldiers lived and worked at this location, with traces of barracks and administrative buildings scattered across the site. These remains show daily life at the frontier between two different worlds.

The site is accessible via footpaths, and some areas are marked with signs for visitors. Wear sturdy shoes as the ground can be uneven and damp, and consider visiting nearby Xanten Archaeological Park for more complete information about Roman history.

The fort is part of the Germanic Limes, an ancient boundary line that stretched for hundreds of kilometers across the region. This defensive chain ranks among the largest construction projects of the Roman Empire and once connected the Rhine and Danube rivers.

Location: Bedburg-Hau

Location: Germania Inferior

Part of: Lower German Limes, Frontiers of the Roman Empire – The Lower German Limes (Germany)

GPS coordinates: 51.75920,6.23444

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:26