Castra Arbon, Roman fortress ruins in Arbon, Switzerland
Description
Castra Arbon is a Roman fortress from the 3rd century whose foundations and structural remains have been excavated on elevated terrain above Lake Constance. The ruins clearly show the layout of barracks, storage areas, and fortification walls that once housed hundreds of soldiers.
History
The fortress was built around 280 AD to protect the Roman Empire's northern border against invaders. It was part of a large defense system stretching along the Danube, Iller, and Rhine rivers that stood for several centuries.
Culture
The name comes from the Roman military installation that stood here nearly 2,000 years ago. Today, visitors can see at the foundations how soldiers once lived and worked at this frontier post.
Practical
The site is accessible year-round, with information panels in German explaining the layout. The location sits on elevated ground with open views, so visitors should dress appropriately for windy or rainy weather.
Did you know?
Local stones were used in the walls, showing how Romans adapted their building techniques to available regional resources. This blend of imported expertise and local practice makes the site particularly revealing about Roman frontier fortifications.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Arbon).
Arbon Castle
98 m
Saurer Kantine
297 m
Saurer vehicle and textile museum
315 m
Katholische Kirche St. Martin
45 m
Former guest house Ochsen
214 m
St. Johannes chapel / Chappeli
193 m
Evangelische Kirche Horn TG
2.6 km
Altes Rathaus Arbon
240 m
Reformed church
592 m
Catholic parsonage / Rothes Haus
86 m
Roll tower
399 m
Saint Franz Xaver catholic church
3 km
Stadthaus Arbon
233 m
Schädlerturm
394 m
Residential house Zur Torwache
328 m
Restaurant Frohsinn
2.3 km
Residential building Bohlenständerhaus
235 m
Oil and grease works Sais (main building and refinery building)
2.1 km
Municipal office / library, (black) ostrich feather / Fingerlihaus
220 m
Guest house Zur Freiheit / Römerhof with remains of the city wall
350 m
Buchhorn lido with restaurant
1.9 km
Restaurant Storchen
248 m
Schoolhouse Reben
322 m
Schoolhouse Promenaden
306 m
School house Turnhalle
309 m
Medieval city wall
324 m
Altes Schulhaus Horn TG
2.9 km
Former Kehlhof
3.1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes