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Temple of Mithras, Carrawburgh – A Roman Military Sanctuary on Hadrian's Wall

Discover the mysterious Temple of Mithras at Carrawburgh, a rare Roman military sanctuary nestled along Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland.

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The Temple of Mithras at Carrawburgh is a unique Roman religious site along Hadrian's Wall, founded around 200 AD by soldiers stationed at the nearby fort. Dedicated to the god Mithras, worshipped for valor and military prowess, the temple’s ruins include replica altars and evoke the mysterious cave-like atmosphere central to Mithraic rituals. Open freely during daylight hours, it offers a tranquil glimpse into Roman frontier spirituality amidst the Northumberland countryside.

A brief summary to Temple of Mithras, Carrawburgh - Hadrian's Wall

  • Hadrian's Wall Walk, Carrawburgh, Newbrough, NE46 4DB, GB
  • +443703331181
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours for the best experience, as the site has no artificial lighting and can be difficult to navigate at night.
  • Wear sturdy footwear due to uneven and potentially muddy terrain, especially after rain.
  • Combine your visit with nearby Chesters Roman Fort to explore a larger collection of Roman artifacts and enjoy visitor amenities.
  • Be aware that the site is prone to flooding and not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
  • Parking is available at a nearby Northumberland National Park car park with a small fee; plan accordingly.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Drive via the B6318 Military Road, which runs along Hadrian’s Wall. Parking is available at the Northumberland National Park car park near Carrawburgh, with a small fee. Travel time from Hexham is approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Note that parking fills quickly during peak seasons.

  • Bus

    Take the bus service from Hexham towards Chollerford or Humshaugh, then a taxi or a 3 km walk to the site. Bus services operate several times daily but check schedules seasonally. Walking terrain may be uneven and muddy.

  • Walking

    For walkers on the Hadrian’s Wall Path, the Temple of Mithras is accessible via a short detour from the main trail near Carrawburgh Fort. The walk involves crossing fields with uneven ground and may be muddy after rain, requiring sturdy footwear.

Temple of Mithras, Carrawburgh - Hadrian's Wall location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Temple of Mithras, Carrawburgh - Hadrian's Wall

Historical Significance of Carrawburgh’s Mithraeum

The Temple of Mithras at Carrawburgh, also known as Brocolitia, was constructed around the 3rd century AD by Roman soldiers stationed at the adjacent Carrawburgh Roman Fort. This fort housed a garrison responsible for defending the northern frontier of the Roman Empire along Hadrian’s Wall. The temple was dedicated to Mithras, a Persian-origin god revered by Roman military personnel for his association with valor, honor, and martial strength. The cult of Mithras was a mystery religion, and temples like this one were designed to replicate the cave where Mithras is said to have slain a sacred bull, a central myth of the faith.

Architectural and Archaeological Features

The temple is partially sunken into the landscape, reflecting the typical cave-like design of Mithraea, and features stone bases and replica altars that visitors can view in situ. The original altars and many artifacts recovered from the site, including thousands of coins and votive offerings, are preserved at the Great North Museum in Newcastle upon Tyne and Chesters Roman Fort museum. The temple was destroyed around the mid-4th century, likely due to the rise of Christianity, which led to the desecration of many pagan sites.

Setting and Visitor Experience

Nestled in a valley near the Carrawburgh Fort, the temple is accessed via a short walk through fields that can be uneven and muddy, with the area prone to flooding in wet weather. The site is peaceful and less frequented compared to larger Roman sites along Hadrian’s Wall, allowing visitors to absorb the quiet ambiance and imagine the spiritual life of Roman soldiers. Nearby, the sacred well shrine of the water goddess Coventina adds to the sense of a religious complex in this frontier zone.

Integration with Hadrian’s Wall and Surrounding Attractions

The Temple of Mithras is part of the broader Chesters Roman Trail and lies between the more extensive forts of Housesteads and Chesters. It complements the military and religious history of the Wall, offering insight into the spiritual practices of its garrison. Visitors often combine their visit here with trips to Chesters Roman Fort, which features a museum, tearoom, and picnic facilities.

Conservation and Accessibility

Managed by English Heritage, the site is open freely during daylight hours year-round, with a nearby car park managed by Northumberland National Park subject to parking fees. While the temple itself is accessible via a short walk, the uneven terrain and potential for muddy conditions mean it is not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for natural weather conditions.

Legacy and Cultural Importance

As the only visible Mithraic temple ruins along Hadrian’s Wall and the second most northerly in Britain, Carrawburgh’s Temple of Mithras holds a special place in the archaeological and cultural landscape. It offers a rare tangible connection to the secretive and enigmatic cult that played a significant role in the lives of Roman soldiers, enriching our understanding of religious diversity and frontier life in Roman Britain.

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