The senator greets us directly at the Danube Cycle Path, one of the most beautiful cycle routes in Europe, at the Danube Restaurant (Donaustraße 64). We turn onto the Traisental Cycle Path and arrive at the next Roman figure, the legionary at the Roman bridge (Spar supermarket, Gartenring 34a), who briefly informs us about Traismauer Castle. We walk towards the guardsman of the cavalry unit Ala Prima Thracum. He is positioned in front of Traismauer Castle (Hauptplatz 1) and tells us about the small fort Augustianis. Here we can take the opportunity to clarify open questions or get further excursion tips at the Traismauer tourist information. A few meters away is the locksmith’s house (Florianigasse 9-13). There we are awaited by a passing Roman legionary who points out the special features around the horseshoe tower. Afterwards, we follow the cultural route until we arrive at the Romanized late antique family directly in front of the Traismauer city office (Wienerstraße 8).
The Roman Figures
Senator
The senator directly at the Danube Cycle Path welcomes us to the town of Traismauer and invites us to visit this charming small town. A fascinating and entertaining stay in Traismauer is ensured by, among other things, the cultural route with 50 interesting sights, as well as the restaurants and wine taverns with regional delicacies and fine drinks.
Legionary
The legionary is positioned with a view of the late antique burgus of the cavalry camp Augustianis. A former citadel, from which the city wall originated, was converted into a small fort during the 4th century. In the Middle Ages, it was transformed into a castle-like building.
Guardsman of the Cavalry Unit Ala Prima Thracum
The guardsman stands in front of the former small fort Augustianis. The 4th century was marked by unrest in the hinterland, passing hordes of peoples, and constant pressure on the limes, which considerably impaired the peaceful coexistence of the mixed community. In Traismauer, soldiers from all over the world and their families were settled. In the lapidarium – the stone collection – in the courtyard of the castle, there are testimonies from this time. In the Baroque period, the small fort was established as the administrative seat of the Salzburg bishops. Today, Traismauer Castle is a venue for various events and also houses the archive and museum of the Vienna Operetta Society and exhibition rooms for the famous Traismauer Nativity Play. These can be visited by appointment.
Legionary
The guardsman is a Roman legionary of the imperial period passing through on his way to Aelium Cetium, today’s St. Pölten. As a member of the third cohort Pius, he guards the Alenlager Augustianis, which was strengthened and expanded under Emperor Antonius Pius. The horseshoe tower, which protrudes from the city wall, is a silent witness.
Family
In front of today’s city office, we see a typically Romanized late antique family. The father has retired after 20 years of military service and has now started a small family with his Celtic wife. Despite the high child mortality, the two children are healthy and thriving. The family lives in a time when early Christianity had already taken hold, yet the population still followed the old beliefs. This continuity of cult can be well understood based on the archaeological findings in the crypt.
