Oberndorf am Neckar: Roman Traces near Bochingen

Roman history gives your travel planning for Oberndorf am Neckar a clear theme. A villa rustica was excavated near the town of Bochingen. Three aspects are important for understanding the site: the agricultural estate, the condition of the site, and the finds on display in the museum.

Roman traces near Bochingen

An extensive Roman villa rustica was excavated near Bochingen, close to Oberndorf am Neckar. It was an agricultural estate dating from around 100 to 250 AD; the complex was excavated between 1993 and 2005. The site has been built over and is no longer visible.

The two date ranges have different meanings: around 100 to 250 AD refers to the historical period when the estate operated, while 1993 to 2005 is the period when it was excavated. Some finds from the villa rustica near Bochingen are on display at the Museum im Schwedenbau in Oberndorf am Neckar. These objects offer a different point of reference from the built-over, no-longer-visible site.

The information panels at the former site of the villa rustica are located at the Schafstall near the roundabout by the industrial estate in Bochingen. If the panels are important to your plans, check their current condition on site. They complement the museum finds with information about the former location, making it possible to distinguish between the exhibition and the site itself.

Rottweil: more themes in the wider destination

In the wider destination of Rottweil, the focus is on salt production in addition to Roman history. The Salinenmuseum Unteres Bohrhaus presents the production of boiled salt in original buildings, with original equipment, a waterwheel, and two brine pumps. The exhibition thus brings together the process and the specific technical equipment. The museum also explains the history and importance of the former Royal Saltworks of Wilhelmshall, described as Rottweil’s oldest industrial enterprise. This makes it possible to distinguish an industrial focus from Roman agriculture near Bochingen.

The Dominikanermuseum in Rottweil takes visitors, through its “Roman Rottweil – Arae Flaviae” section, through a day in Roman Rottweil on 4 August 186 AD—from the forum in the morning through various public and private appointments to the evening feast. Reconstructions and interactive areas complement the exhibition. Visitors of all ages can try on a Roman wool tunic, chain mail, a helmet or shield worn by a Roman soldier, and the saddle of a Roman rider. If you plan to take part in this hands-on activity, check that it is currently available before your visit.

A technical highlight in Rottweil is the test tower. Modern elevators are tested and certified in twelve shafts, with travel speeds of up to 18 metres per second. To travel from Rottweil station to the test tower by public transport, take bus 5011 on weekdays; an on-demand bus operates on Saturdays and Sundays. Check the connection before travelling, as transport information can change.

Discover more destinations: Wellendingen, Dietingen, Rottweil, Deißlingen, Aichhalden, Sulz am Neckar, Hardt, Bösingen.

Go to the wider travel overview: Rottweil.