Over 6,000 years of settlement history directly on the Via Belgica: Aldenhoven boasts a wealth of finds from the Roman Empire. But there are also settlements in Aldenhoven and the district of Niedermerz dating back to the so-called Rössener culture, which formed the origins of today's Aldenhoven around 4,000 years before Christ.
From guard posts, temples and estates
Among the most extraordinary Roman traces in Aldenhoven are a civilian road station, a guard post, a Gallo-Roman temple with colonnaded walkway and several estates. Some of these sites were already discovered in the 1930s. With the exception of the estates, all of these Roman settlements bordered the roadsides of the Via Belgica, which runs about two kilometres north of present-day Aldenhoven. These archaeological monuments are not usually visible – yet it is almost impossible to avoid walking in the footsteps of the Romans in Aldenhoven.
Fortified landmarks
Aldenhoven was first mentioned in a document in 922. Accordingly, there are numerous stone witnesses to the history of this place of pilgrimage that date back beyond Roman times. In the centre of Aldenhoven, for example, are the remains of the so-called "Old Tower", which was part of a fortification built in the 15th century. The castles in the districts of Dürboslar and Engelsdorf, first mentioned in 898 and 1080, are still well preserved today and are well worth a visit. The impressive parish church in Niedermerz, which was first mentioned in documents in the 12th century, is well preserved in parts and is an impressive example of medieval architecture.
The entry and information points are called Mansio. Here you can start your excursions along the Roman highways and switch from car to bicycle or begin your hikes. Surrounded by fruit trees, the rest and relaxation area is a pleasant place to take a break.
