Photo: Tourismusverband Oststeiermark

Römisches Hügelgrab

Stubenberg, Styria

Roman burial mound from the 1st/2nd century AD, considered one of the best-preserved tumulus structures in Austria. Before excavation began, a conspicuous hill was already visible in the middle of the forest. Upon closer inspection, the edge of a large stone slab could be seen, with a slight depression underneath. After only four weeks of work, the Roman burial mound was finally uncovered at the end of 2002. A 2.7-meter-long access (dromos) leads to the burial mound, where a tombstone (titulus) with Latin inscription was found. Although the grave had already been looted, two coins from the time of Emperor Domitian (81-96 AD) were discovered, along with fragments of glass and ceramics, as well as shoe nails. The entrance to the burial chamber is protected by a simple lockable grid: a cast of the tombstone and an information board are intended to make the archaeological site accessible for "gentle tourism." With these measures, it is hoped to have preserved one of Austria's best-preserved Roman-era tumulus structures without major modern interventions. Free access! Directions: Starting from the northern outskirts of Stubenberg (locality sign), follow Rabenwaldstraße towards Rubland. After 2,450 meters, in a forest area on the left, about 50 meters from the road.