Heidentor: A Roman Triumphal Arch

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Explore the Heidentor, a striking Roman ruin in Austria, offering a glimpse into the Roman Empire's history and architectural marvels in Carnuntum.

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Heidentor

The Heidentor, or Heathens' Gate, is a partially reconstructed Roman triumphal arch located in Petronell-Carnuntum, Austria. Built in the 4th century AD as a tetrapylon with four arches, only one arch remains today, standing as a testament to the Roman Empire's grandeur.

A brief summary to Heidentor

Heidentorgasse 34, Petronell-Carnuntum, 2404, AT
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Heidentor.

Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the site involves walking on uneven terrain.
Check for special events or reenactments that may be taking place during your visit.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Vienna, take the regional express train REX 7 to Petronell-Carnuntum. Trains depart from Wien Mitte station hourly and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes. From the Petronell-Carnuntum railway station, it is a 15-minute walk to the Heidentor; follow the signs. A single train fare costs between €8-€12.
Walking

From the Hauptstraße in Petronell-Carnuntum, head east towards Heidentorgasse. Follow Heidentorgasse for approximately 1 km until you reach the Heidentor. The walk is relatively flat and takes about 15 minutes. There is no admission fee to visit the Heidentor.
Parking

If driving, ample parking is available near the Heidentor. From the car park, exit on the left and follow the road. Turn right, go under the bridge, and the Heidentor will be visible after about 500 meters. Parking is free.

Discover more about Heidentor

The Heidentor, meaning Heathens' Gate or Pagans' Gate, is a captivating remnant of the Roman Empire, found in the present-day Austrian town of Petronell-Carnuntum. This partially reconstructed ruin was once a magnificent triumphal arch, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of a bygone era. Originally constructed as a tetrapylon, it likely had four arches symbolizing Roman military victories. Today, only one of these arches remains.Scholars believe the Heidentor was erected during the reign of Emperor Constantius II, between 351 and 361 AD. The structure was positioned approximately 900 meters south of Carnuntum, a thriving Roman city that once housed around 50,000 residents, including the legionary forces. Each facade of the Heidentor measured roughly 14.5 meters wide, and a central plinth likely held a statue of a god or emperor.Over the centuries, the Heidentor has been the subject of much speculation and legend. In the 13th century, it was even believed to be the tomb of a giant named Theuto. The structure has also suffered from stone robbery and damage, with restoration efforts shaping its current appearance. Today, the Heidentor stands as a striking combination of ancient history and modern technology, with wind turbines dotting the landscape. Visitors can explore the site for free, with informative plaques providing historical context.