Germany from A to Z: Xanten
We are taking a tour through Germany and every week we'll introduce you to a new town, guided by the alphabet. This time it's off to Xanten — a town in western Germany known as a Roman, cathedral and Siegfried city.
Old town center
Xanten's charm lies in the enclosed townscape with small details to discover. On the market square (picture) many cafés and restaurants provide a lively atmosphere. Among the highlights of the old town center are the Gothic House from the 15th century, the Klever Tor gate and the St. Viktor cathedral.
St.Viktor cathedral
No matter which direction you approach Xanten from, the mighty Gothic cathedral is the first building you will see from afar. The crypt is said to contain the tomb of Saint Victor, a legionary and martyr from the 4th century. It is a pilgrimage destination for many faithful. Visitors also come for art-historical reasons, as the cathedral is richly endowed with art treasures.
Stiftsmuseum (Abbey museum)
In the Stiftsmuseum there are even more works of art to admire. The cathedral's treasury is kept here. For more than 1,000 years, the monastery of St. Viktor existed in Xanten, a church community whose landed property grew steadily. The treasure is correspondingly extensive. On display are writings, textiles, jewelry and works of art made of precious materials.
Klever Tor Gate
The double gate was built in 1393. If enemies managed to penetrate the first gate, they entered the walled interim courtyard. There the defenders on the towers and walls could attack them from the best position. Over the course of time, Klever Tor Gate has had many functions, including serving as a prison and museum. Today, holidaymakers can even stay overnight here.
Siegfried Museum
Xanten is the home of the hero Siegfried from the Song of the Nibelungs, the most famous German saga. Several places in the town remind us of the epic, which tells of love, murder, and betrayal. A dragon, a treasure, brave men, and beautiful women are also included. The story of the legend's impact, how people from different eras dealt with the material, is documented in the Siegfried Museum.
Kriemhild Mill
The mill also owes its name to the Song of the Nibelungs — Kriemhild was Siegfried's wife. In the 14th century the mill was first built as a fortified tower and later served as a night watchman's lodge and garden house. Since 1992, grain has been ground here. In the mill shop you can buy whole meal bread. There are also guided tours that trace the path from grain to bread.
Archaeological Park
Where Xanten is today there used to be Colonia Ulpia Traiana, a Roman settlement. To this day, excavations and research are carried out in the Archaeological Park. To give visitors an impression of what it looked like here in Roman times, some buildings have been reconstructed or partly reconstructed. These include parts of the city wall, the amphitheater, and the harbor temple (picture).
Roman Museum
In addition to the open-air area of the Archaeological Park, there is also a museum with 2,500 objects from Xanten's 400 years of Roman history. The modern building was constructed on the foundations of the ancient thermal baths, the ruins of which visitors can visit. There are also many exhibits to touch, listen to and try out.
Xantener Südsee (South Sea)
The south seas are actually far away from Germany, but in a small way you can also find them in Xanten, because here a natural swimming pool is called Xantener Südsee. Although it can't quite match the waters of the South Pacific, here too there is a sandy beach, sunbathing lawns and a summer feeling. Plus, a diving tower, bathing islands and gastronomy.