The Heidentor in Petronell-Carnuntum

3D Model

The gate was originally a so-called quadrifrons, a building with four pillars and four arches.

In the center of the Heidentor there is still a massive round base on which there was probably a statue of the emperor in ancient times.

It was built in late Roman antiquity, probably in the reign of Emperor Constantius II (351-361 AD) and had a side length and a height of around 14.5 m. Above the arches was the attic zone with small marble columns, marble consoles and sculptures and inscription fields above the arches.

The core of the four pillars consisted of Roman cast mortar and rubble, the outer shell was made of large stone and brick masonry. During restorations numerous consecration altars which have been reused as construction material. The rise of Christianity made it possible for these altars to lose their religious significance and to be seen only as cheap building materials that were already available.

© Landessammlungen Niederösterreich (LSNÖ)

Heidentor reconstruction