Römerwarte Katzenberg (Roman Hill Fort)

Römerwarte Katzenberg (Roman Hill Fort)

Mayen

During the time of the Romans, a large hill fort watched over the people of the Mayen vicus. Around 70 metres of the fortress wall with an accessible walk along the battlements and two towers have since been reconstructed. From the protective post on the summit of Katzenberg, they had a far-reaching view out over East Eifel – an industrial region pre-dating modern times.
In about 300 AD, when the Roman hill fort was built, there were no more limes to protect against marauding bands who came robbing and murdering across the Rhine. Without it, Mayen would certainly have been a worthwhile target, as the ceramics industry was booming there because of its clay deposits, making it a global player on the European market. The local clay could be used to produce highly heat-resistant ceramics, which was particularly important for cookware. Altogether, the ancient volcanic activity of East Eifel bestowed rich treasures. The Romans were already mining basalt lava for highly productive grain mills at the Mayen mining site, and tuff was being extracted from the Roman mine in Meurin for major building projects. Both mining sites as well as the Roman hill fort are part of "Vulkanpark Osteifel" (East Eifel Volcano Park) and are well worth visiting as excursion destinations.

A station along the Roman roads.

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At a glance

Opening hours

  • Vom April 21st bis February 1st
    Monday
    00:00 - 23:59 Uhr

    Tuesday
    00:00 - 23:59 Uhr

    Wednesday
    00:00 - 23:59 Uhr

    Thursday
    00:00 - 23:59 Uhr

    Friday
    00:00 - 23:59 Uhr

    Saturday
    00:00 - 23:59 Uhr

    Sunday
    00:00 - 23:59 Uhr

Place

Mayen

Contact

Vulkanpark GmbH
Rauschermühle 6
56637 Plaidt
Phone: (0049)2632 9875
Fax: (0049)2632 987520

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Heilig-Geist-Kapelle

The "Heilig-Geist" chapel was built in 1757 and was usually part of the "Hospital zum Heiligen Geist". In 1935, foundations were found which implies that there used to be an own chapel for the hospital. After World War 2, the "Heilig-Geist" chapel used to be an emergency churge for the "St. Clemens" priest's office for a couple of years. After its renovation in the years of 1960/61, the chapel was opened as monument, dedicating to the casualties of the war and the gruesome dictatorship and since that a place for thinking and reflecting.

Vulkanparkstation Mayener Grubenfeld, Felswand, © Rheinland-Pfalz Tourismus GmbH, D. Ketz

Vulkanparkstation Grubenfeld

Mayen´s pit field is oner of the oldest and most important mines of basalt lava. This porous stone is perfectly suitable for grain grindings am millstones. A tour leads through the mine landscape, in the depth of the petrified lava river of the Bellerberg volvano with ist bizzare pillars. Roman mining traces can be found near a modern crane from the 20 th century. The sculpture park "LAPIDEA" is also on this area which is used for all kinds of events an by arches as training camp.