Roman Days at the Roman Villa Borg

The Villa Borg — Unique in Europe

The Roman Villa Borg in Perl-Borg, Saarland, is an archaeological sensation: the only completely reconstructed Roman villa complex in Europe. Not even in Italy — the heartland of the Roman Empire — is there a comparable example. The complex dates back to a Roman agricultural estate from the 1st to 4th centuries AD. From the 1980s onwards, it was systematically excavated and reconstructed step by step: the manor house, the thermal baths, the kitchen, the taverns, the courtyard. Today, visitors can tour the villa, dine like a Roman in the tavern, and experience the ancient world up close during events.

Roman Days — The Highlight of the Year

The Roman Days on the first weekend of August are among the biggest highlights of the Villa Borg's event calendar. Reenactor groups from Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Great Britain, and other countries travel to stage Roman life for two days. This is not a spectacle in the sense of a Disney show, but serious living history — the groups reconstruct their equipment, their movements, and their clothing according to archaeological and historical sources.

Legionaries and Gladiators

Roman legionaries and gladiators are the focus of attention. Legionary groups demonstrate marching formations, Roman military technology, and battle tactics — the famous 'Pila' (javelins) are thrown, the 'Gladii' (short swords) are drawn, and the 'Scuta' (large shields) are formed into the 'Testudo' (tortoise) formation. In parallel, gladiators fight in an openly visible arena — various gladiator types such as the Retiarius (with net and trident) against the Secutor or Murmillo, always with historical accuracy.

Ancient Crafts Up Close

The craft demonstrations are at least as exciting. Roman bakers bake their bread in reconstructed ovens, blacksmiths produce nails and small parts over an open fire, potters shape their vessels on the wheel, weavers and spinners demonstrate their skills, and leather and woodworkers ply their trades right in front of visitors. Anyone with a question can ask it — the craftspeople are experts in their fields and are happy to share their knowledge.

Ancient Market

A classic Roman market complements the spectacle. Food and drink are served with reconstructed Roman recipes — Moretum (cheese-garlic paste), Garum (fish sauce), Mulsum (honey wine), bread, olives, and ancient meat dishes. Compared to modern festivals, it's an unusual culinary experience. In addition, there are stalls selling historical replicas — jewelry, coins, leather goods, and books on Roman history.

Perl in the District of Merzig-Wadern

Perl is a municipality in the district of Merzig-Wadern, in the westernmost part of Saarland, directly on the tri-border area of Germany, France, and Luxembourg. The Villa Borg is located in the district of Borg, in the middle of the Saarland Moselle landscape. Perl is a wine-growing municipality, a tourist destination, and an archaeological highlight — the combination of a Moselle walk, wine tasting, and a visit to the Roman Days makes for a perfect day trip in Saarland, Luxembourg, and France.