Martberg Archaeological Park, Pommern, Germany

Nearly 200 m above the Mosel river next to Pommern and Karden lays the high plateau of the Martberg. Its name still reminds you of the celtic-roman god Lenus-Mars who has been worshipped here in ancient times.

In the celtic period, around 100 BC, the Martberg was a central town an oppidum of the local celtic tribe called Treveri. According to current research the plateau of 45 ha was densly settled with small houses made of wood and clay. The settlement was surrounded by a wall constructed out of timber and stones. The evidence of coinage, handicraft and many imported goods emphasize the importance of the settlement in these times.

In the central area of the mountain archaeologists found a sanctuary of several celtic-roman temples which date from the 1st century BC to the 4th century AD. The sanctuary was surrounded by a large rectangular collonade which has been 60 to 70 m. In the center stood the main temple built in the typical celtic-roman style. It had a central square building called cella and a surrounding roofed verandah with stone pillars. The cella was the most important part of the temple because there was the god’s statue placed. Next to the central temple four smaller temples were discovered built in the same way as the main temple. In the sanctuary archaeologists found large quantities of offerings. The believers offered more than 10.000 coins, hundreds of fibulas, weapons as well as thousands of miniature ceramic vessels to their gods. In the course of the christianisation the sanctuary was abandoned after 400 AD. The religious center moved from the Martberg to Karden where an early christian community was established.

Since the year of 2006 AD it is possible to visit the celtic-roman sanctuary again. The major temple with its impressive wall paintings and one minor temple are reconstructed completely. Two other temples and the surrounding wall are rebuilt partly. Furthermore you can see some houses built in the way of the celtic period. Many of the objects from the Martberg and 2000 years of the history of Karden can be seen in the Stiftsmuseum of Treis-Karden. The museum is located next to the church of Karden.

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Martberg Archaeological Park

Museums in Germany

User Reviews

Michael Blok (3 years ago)
Very special place. Ruins of a Celtic, then Roman Temple complex. Three temple buildings have been restored to near-original condition, giving an excellent picture of Roman temple architecture. Also has a copy of a Celtic family house. In general, a very lovely high plain with a viewpoint to the Moselle. It's an easy drive with a normal car on the dirt track and then a hike, but people with a handicapped card can drive up to the temples.

Birgit Waltert (3 years ago)
Nice area, you can also get something to drink cheaply there, which we were happy about as hikers

pete von der line (3 years ago)
Super interesting and beautifully restored. Small coffee with great prices and really tasty coffee. Is easy to reach for hikers. Another thing to note is that it's on a hilltop so it's a little windier

T Grün (3 years ago)
A welcome location after the ascent, where much was reported about the Romans. Very nicely located and nicely restored and informative. We were lucky enough to experience a successful event with food and drink. The Celtic rituals were also reported.

Michael Phillips (4 years ago)
If you go here by car you will find yourself on a steep narrow forest track which goes on for quite a few kilometres. We began to think we had made a big mistake but eventually you will come across A large P sign which is indeed a car park although really just a small clearing. There are few obvious signs you are in the right place but do walk further up the track and after a few bends you will appear at the top of the hill and see the Museum ahead. It is about a kilometer. You need some good shoes and not be too precious about your car. When you do come across other humans you will feel put to shame if not equipped with full hiking gear. However never fear, the place itself is very interesting and well worth the effort. There is even a gift shop/ cafe serving snacks and hot/cold drinks. We visited on a beautiful sunny day in early October.

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