Wiesbaden Roman Days
Roman History and Hot Springs: On September 26 and 27, the Wiesbaden Roman Days at the Werkraum invite you to discover the city’s roots. The program features exhibitions, interactive history presentations, hands-on activities, and city tours.
Wiesbaden owes its founding and development as a spa town—and later as a world-renowned health resort—to a natural treasure: its hot springs. The Romans were already using the thermal waters some 2,000 years ago. Known as Aquae Mattiacorum, Wiesbaden was renowned as a healing and spa resort as far away as Rome. During the Wiesbaden Roman Days, this early history of the city will come to life on Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27, as part of the city festival at the Werkraum.
The Roman Days invite history enthusiasts as well as families with children to discover Wiesbaden’s roots. The goal is not merely to convey history, but to bring it to life—so visitors can touch it and participate.
The exhibitions “The Romans in Wiesbaden” and “Hot Springs—Wiesbaden’s DNA” offer scientifically grounded insights into Wiesbaden’s Roman origins and the special significance of thermal water for the city’s development. Puzzle stations invite visitors to explore historical themes in a playful way.
How the Romans Lived 2,000 Years Ago
Various Roman reenactment groups demonstrate how people lived 2,000 years ago. Visitors can not only watch but also experience it firsthand and try things out for themselves: Ars Replika offers insights into the daily life of the Germanic peoples and demonstrates historical craft techniques. Ancient hairstyles and Roman board games are also part of the program. Civis Nemetum focuses on Roman bathing customs as well as historical ointments and cosmetics. Fabia, the Roman poisoner, takes visitors on a journey through ancient botany—from effective medicinal herbs to intoxicating plants and deadly poisons. Praefectvs Castrorvm Legionis XXI provides historical context and shares fascinating stories from antiquity.
Walking Tours to the Hot Springs
The city center also becomes a stage for history: On walking tours of the hot springs, participants can discover hidden spots where thermal water flows and learn about the city’s “bubbling” history. The walking tours start at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on both days at the Werkraum; no prior registration is required. Participation is on a donation basis.
The program is complemented by hands-on educational activities offered by the sam – Stadtmuseum am Markt. The Förderverein Stadtmuseum Wiesbaden e. V. will provide information about its work at an information booth.