Villa rustica of Meßkirch, Roman agricultural estate near Messkirch, Germany.
The Villa rustica of Meßkirch is a Roman agricultural estate stretching across eight hectares with seventeen stone buildings. The complex is dominated by a central portico villa, flanked by two bathhouses equipped with hypocaust heating systems for warm bathing.
The estate originated in Roman times and served as a residence and production center for centuries. Archaeological excavations between 1834 and 1836 led by Joseph Anton Eitenbenz revealed the foundations of this settlement, which was initially mistaken for a military fortress.
The temple area contains an altar dedicated to the goddess Diana, commissioned by the Roman resident Marcus Aurelius Honoratus Pancratius. This religious object shows how the inhabitants expressed their personal beliefs in the private chapel of the estate.
The archaeological site is located beside Federal Highway 311 with a parking area, from which a 200-meter walking path leads to the excavations. A visit is best in the warmer months when the paths are dry and easy to walk on.
Two Roman wells positioned about 100 meters south of the current road supplied water to the entire estate. These wells remain visible today and show how the Romans managed their water supply across distances.
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