Castra Arbon, Roman fortress ruins in Arbon, Switzerland
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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