Aguntum

Aguntum was the only Roman settlement in today’s Austrian Tyrol and its ruins, still partly buried, are located about 4 km east of the town of Lienz. The settlement was given city status under the rule of Emperor Claudius Caesar in the middle of the 1st century AD and its influence covered a wide area in all directions. Roman artefacts have been discovered at Aguntum since the 16th century and the town has been the site of archaeological excavations since the beginning of the 20th century. Particularly noteworthy are the large thermal baths and atrium house. The city walls are unusual, extending on one side of the city only and probably built more for show than for any strategic purpose. The newly built museum houses a fascinating exhibition that provides an impressive insight into Roman times in the Alps with displays of clothing, reliefs, ceramics, jewellery and coins etc.