Archäologischer Park Magdalensberg

About the museum

On Magdalensberg north of Klagenfurt, Roman merchants settled in the 1st century BC, trading with the Celtic kingdom of Noricum, particularly for the coveted Norican iron. From this merchant settlement emerged, after Noricum's incorporation into the Roman Empire around 15 BC, the political, religious and economic center of the region – the first city with capital functions on today's Austrian soil. Around the middle of the 1st century AD, administration was relocated to the newly founded city of Virunum in the Zollfeld, and the settlement on the mountain was quickly abandoned.

The site became famous already in 1502 when plowing brought up a bronze statue of a youth. Systematic excavations began in 1948 and have continued year after year. Among the findings were the forum with the basilica and its tribunal, a temple complex, administrative buildings, residential houses with wall paintings and metalworking workshops.

Today the state museum for Carinthia (kärnten.museum) manages the site as an approximately four-hectare archaeological park. Preserved walls and protective structures show central areas of the ancient city, supplemented by numerous artifacts from daily life around 2,000 years ago and the "Youth from Magdalensberg". The park is open May through October and is explored through guided tours, themed programs and family activities.

Highlights

• Forum basilica with tribunal, earliest documented location of state administration in Austria
• "Youth from Magdalensberg" and other finds from Roman daily life
• Preserved ruins on approximately four hectares
• Mystery rally "Following the Romans" for children
• Themed programs and workshops with reenactment

Permanent exhibition

• Archäologischer Park – die Stadt auf dem Magdalensberg – Tour through excavated remains of the Roman city with forum, basilica, residential and workshop areas, plus artifacts from daily life 2,000 years ago.

Operated by

Landesmuseum für Kärnten (kärnten.museum)

Director

Heimo Dolenz

Admission & discounts

Free admission with Kärnten Card, Culture Pass "Hunger for Art and Culture" and ICOM and Museum Association pass. Discounts including with Culture Card Carinthia (−50%), Club Ö1 (−30%) and Wörthersee Plus Card (−50% for adults); present documentation at till.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

With the mystery rally "Following the Romans" children and young people explore the park alone or with parents; those who find the solution word get a small surprise. Plus themed programs and workshops with reenactment.

Getting there & parking

By car from Klagenfurt via St. Veiter Road to the S37, exit 297B Maria Saal toward Zollfeld, continue on L71, turn right toward St. Michael am Zollfeld to L85 and follow it about 7.2 km.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit