Over 2000 years ago, the Roman Empire’s northern frontier (also known as the Limes) contained several outposts along the Rhine river. Some of these outposts were at the center of present-day Dutch cities, such as Utrecht.

Today, a recreated military outpost, Castellum Hoge Woerd, sits on top of the remains of the area’s original Roman fortress still buried beneath the ground.

In 1997, an archaeological excavation in the Utrecht neighborhood of Leidsche Rijn discovered key Roman infrastructure, including a Roman ship and road. This led to the largest archaeological research project in the Netherlands to date, during which more ancient artifacts were discovered, such as the remains of a watchtower, artillery, and more ships.

In 2007, work began on a modern museum, the Castellum Hoge Woerd, to display these findings. The museum is a near-perfect recreation of the original Roman outpost, and was built in the same location and is the same size as its Roman predecessor.

One of the museum’s showpieces is a Roman ship discovered during the excavations. Named the Meern 1, the ship is the most intact Roman river vessel ever found in northwestern Europe. A reconstructed Roman watchtower can also be seen just outside the main museum. 

The Castellum also contains Podium Hoge Woerd, a theatre for cultural performances, and a cafe.

Castellum Hoge Woerd is part of the Lower Germanic Limes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.