A Roman city quarter rebuilt at its original location and Petroneller Au offer different ways to explore Petronell-Carnuntum. Those interested in the history of Carnuntum can discover its reconstruction, archaeological structures and finds at the museum. Walking paths and the Au landscape offer other points of interest. Specific route descriptions and approximate details about the local circuit can help with planning.
Roman City Quarter, Heidentor and Amphitheatre
The Roman City Quarter is a section of a Roman city quarter rebuilt at its original location. A visit offers a glimpse of ancient Carnuntum in the early 4th century. Heidentor adds to this historical perspective: it was once a quadrifrons, a monument with double passageways supported by four pillars.
The amphitheatre of the civilian city was built outside the ancient city walls at the end of the 2nd century AD and could accommodate around 13,000 people. It is next to the Roman City Quarter and can be reached from there in about ten minutes on foot. The visit thus brings different periods together: the amphitheatre dates to the end of the 2nd century, while the Roman City Quarter offers a glimpse of Carnuntum in the early 4th century.
The Museum Auxiliarkastell displays finds from the auxiliary fort and its southern forefield. Numerous informative panels explain the fort’s function and life there. A junction between a drinking-water pipe and a main sewer of the cavalry camp was also excavated near the museum and preserved in a dedicated protective structure. The preserved junction structure is open to the public; check practical details before your visit.
Walks and Routes
The Great Circular Route begins at the Carnuntum Archaeological Park and leads to all 26 sights. The Small Circular Route also begins there, passes through Petronell-Carnuntum to Heidentor and returns. The routes therefore differ in scope: the Great Circular Route includes all 26 sights, while the Small Circular Route goes through the town to Heidentor and back.
Another option is the Petronell-Carnuntum Town Walk. This easy walk is 2.72 kilometres long, takes about 30 minutes and starts and ends at the car park of the Roman City of Carnuntum. Using the “Town Walks” smartphone app, you can listen to stories about Carnuntum, the once-bustling Roman metropolis. Its length, approximate duration and difficulty rating provide practical guidance for planning your day.
There is a free dedicated visitor car park at each site of the Roman City of Carnuntum, right next to the respective entrance. Check parking details before you arrive.
Romanesque Architecture and Petroneller Au
The architectural history beyond the Roman sites can also be traced through named buildings and time periods. The round chapel, also known as St John’s Chapel, is one of Austria’s oldest and most valuable Romanesque buildings. It dates from the first half of the 12th century and was built using ashlar masonry. In the 15th century, a Gothic side aisle, known as the Florian Chapel, was added to the parish church. Construction of Petronell-Carnuntum Castle began as early as the 11th century.
Petroneller Au offers a different landscape to explore. Since 2016, 260 hectares of Petroneller Au have been managed by the administration of Donau-Auen National Park. The area has an extensive network of oxbow lakes and periodically water-filled ditches. When water levels are higher, some of these are directly connected to the Danube; the connection does not therefore apply to the entire network at all times.
The Petronell Hiking Trail begins at the visitor car park at the end of Lange Gasse, marked “Car Park for Au Forest Visitors”. This gives you a specifically named starting point for the hike, while the walks in town have their own start and end points.
Discover more destinations: Gallbrunn, Rohrau, Wildungsmauer, Hainburg An Der Donau, Wolfsthal, Haslau-Maria Ellend, Göttlesbrunn-Arbesthal, Prellenkirchen.
Return to the main travel overview: Bruck An Der Leitha.
