The Heidentor, Austria’s best-known Roman monument and landmark of the Archaeological Park Carnuntum, is situated about 2 km from the Open Air Museum Petronell. You can also easily reach the Heidentor by car.
After your inspiring journey back to the everyday life of Carnuntum citizens, you will be impressed by this imposing monument to Imperial might. This massive building was situated outside the city walls over the Imperial statue of Emperor Constantius II, and visibly demonstrated to all travellers the splendour and might of the Roman imperator.
All that remains now of the former splendid edifice is the famous archway. Latest scientific investigations clearly prove that it was originally erected as a quadrifrons (Greek tetrapylon), a monument with pillars and four archways, which was built from 354 to 361 AD as a triumphal arch in honour of Emperor Constantius II and which rose protectively over the statue of the Emperor.
The name ‘Heidentor’ dates from the Middle Ages when the archway was thought to have been erected by non-Christians and was therefore called ‘heydnisch Tor’ (heathen gate). A misconception as we now know: the Heidentor was erected in a period when Christianity had been a recognised religion for decades and when it had become increasingly important in Carnuntum.
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