Roman hilltop sanctuary on the Calmont, Calmont region

Which ancient gods do you think were worshipped high above the Calmont? Perhaps Succellus, the god of wine? We do not know. In any case, the temple complex was the religious centre for the people who lived here and was probably a port of call for travellers. One of the temples has now been reconstructed, but there were many more buildings. From the vantage point, you can look down on the Mosel loop down below, together with the Petersberg, St Peter’s chapel and the hilltop cemetery. In late Roman times, there was a hilltop fortification on this ridge, for the Limes had long since ceased to provide protection against invading Germanic hordes and, as a result, security had to be provided locally. The Mosel valley was an important traffic artery and densely populated. It led all the way to the imperial residence of Trier! No wonder the Romans protected it with an extensive belt of fortifications. Another fortified structure stood further downstream near Stuben Monastery, which probably provided a secure station for shipping on the Mosel.

A station on the roads of the Romans.