Sucellus-Römerspektakel Kinheim – 50 Years Anniversary

Sucellus – a God of Sandstone

In 1976, construction workers in Kinheim discovered a Roman sandstone figure, which was identified as a representation of the Gallo-Roman god Sucellus. Sucellus, the "good striker", was a god of wine, fertility, and the hammer – making him a fitting patron saint for a Mosel community. The sculpture is among the significant archaeological finds of the Mosel valley. With the Sucellus Year 2026, Kinheim commemorates the 50th anniversary of this discovery, placing the figure at the center of a multi-day spectacle.

Roman Life on the Mosel Riverbank

The festival grounds on the Mosel riverbank become the scene of a complete Roman camp. Reenactment groups from all over Germany and the Benelux countries set up tents, workshops, and training grounds. Legionaries demonstrate Roman military tactics, gladiators engage in choreographed show fights, and craftspeople display blacksmithing, leatherwork, weaving, and mosaic laying. A bird of prey show adds an element of ancient hunting culture to the program.

The Bissula on the Mosel

A highlight of the spectacle is the Bissula, a replica of a Roman cargo sailing ship, which sets off for trips on the Mosel. The ship demonstrates how the Romans transported wine, grain, and other goods between Trier and Koblenz. In antiquity, the Mosel was an important trade route, and the wine grown here was valued as far as Rome.

Pressing Grapes Like the Romans

A special hands-on activity is grape pressing modeled after Roman methods. Grapes are stomped with feet on a recreated tread press – a method widely used in antiquity. Regional vintners supplement the program with tastings of current Mosel wines, creating a bridge between Roman tradition and today's viticulture.