Xanten

Xanten is a town in the northwestern German state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), located in the district of Wesel on the right bank of the Rhine. It has around 21,000 residents and forms part of the Lower Rhine region, known for its well-preserved historic center and Roman heritage.

The area has ancient origins as the Roman city Colonia Ulpia Traiana, established in the early 2nd century CE as a major settlement and administrative center along the Rhine. After the decline of Roman rule, the site gradually evolved into a medieval town around the existing churches and fortifications. In the 20th century, the legacy of the Roman city was revived with the Archaeological Park Xanten (APX), an open-air museum that reconstructs a Roman town with streets, villas, baths, temples, and a forum, to illustrate daily life in Colonia Ulpia Traiana. The park is complemented by a nearby Roman Museum that houses artifacts from the region.

The town’s skyline is dominated by the Xanten Cathedral, St. Viktor, a sacred building whose Gothic and Romanesque elements reflect centuries of religious and architectural development. The historic town center includes preserved half-timbered houses, a market square, and other medieval structures that attract visitors.

Xanten serves as a regional center for commerce, culture, and tourism, with a focus on Roman heritage, regional museums, and outdoor recreation along the Rhine. It is accessible by road and rail connections within the Rhine-Ruhr and Lower Rhine area, making it a common day-trip destination for visitors to the region.