Castra of Schirenhof

The Castra of Schirenhof is a Roman military fort located near Schwäbisch Gmünd that served as a defensive installation along the frontier. The remains include visible foundation walls and earthen ramparts that spread across a ridge above the Rems river valley.

The fort was built around 150 AD as part of Roman frontier defenses and remained active until the Romans withdrew from the region. This span reflects how long Rome maintained control over this northern border zone.

The name derives from a manor that occupied the site in later centuries. Visitors can observe how Roman builders adapted their defensive structures to work with the natural landscape.

The site is accessible via marked hiking paths that allow visitors to explore the remains on foot and examine Roman structures closely. Wearing sturdy footwear is advisable since the terrain is uneven and can become muddy in wet conditions.

Excavations since the 19th century uncovered stone reliefs made from local sandstone that show how Romans used available materials when building their forts. These findings illustrate the practical adaptations Roman engineers made when constructing frontier installations.

Location: Schwäbisch Gmünd

Location: Raetia

Elevation above the sea: 344 m

Part of: Raetian Limes

GPS coordinates: 48.78676,9.77725

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:08