Temple of Elst

The Temple of Elst is a Roman temple structure located beneath the current church in Overbetuwe. The remains reveal a large stone building with classical Roman construction methods, featuring spaces designed for religious ceremonies and rituals.

The site originated as an Iron Age sanctuary before Romans constructed a monumental temple in the first century. After destruction, the building was later reconstructed and continued serving religious purposes throughout the Roman period.

This site represents a blend of local and Roman religious practices, where indigenous beliefs were absorbed into the Roman pantheon. Visitors can observe how conquered lands adapted to imperial religious expectations.

The remains are accessible through scheduled visits, and planning adequate time for exploration is wise. Guides or on-site information materials are recommended to fully understand the excavated foundations and architectural details.

This location remained active for over a thousand years, demonstrating how Roman practices persisted in the region long after initial conquest. The continuous use reveals that local communities preserved religious continuity with their ancestral traditions.

Location: Overbetuwe

Part of: Lower German Limes, Frontiers of the Roman Empire — The Lower German Limes (Netherlands)

GPS coordinates: 51.91977,5.84957

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:03