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 connection to the Romans is an important part of Wiesbaden’s cultural heritage. However, very little of it is visible in today’s cityscape. With the Roman Days, we want to raise awareness among residents and visitors alike about Wiesbaden’s Roman era and our 26 mineral and healing springs, because they are of great significance to our city’s identity and to Wiesbaden’s appeal to visitors from out of town,” says Daniela Georgi, Head of the Economic Affairs Department. 

The Roman Days invite history enthusiasts as well as families with children to discover Wiesbaden’s roots. The goal is not just to teach history, but to bring it to life—so people 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. 

Various Roman reenactment groups demonstrate how people lived 2,000 years ago. Visitors can do more than just watch; they can experience it up close 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. The Roman poisoner Fabia takes visitors on a journey into ancient botany—exploring effective medicinal herbs, intoxicating plants, and deadly poisons. Praefectvs Castrorvm Legionis XXI provides historical context and fascinating stories from antiquity. 

The city center also becomes a stage for history: On walking tours to the hot springs, participants can discover hidden thermal water sites and learn about the city’s “bubbling” history. The tours start on both days at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. 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 Stadtmuseum am Markt. The Förderverein Stadtmuseum Wiesbaden e.V. will provide information about its work at an information booth. 

The event is organized by Citymanagement Wiesbaden in cooperation with the Stadtmuseum am Markt.