In Roman times, Kerkrade lay on the road from Bavay to Cologne (Via Belgica), and on the road from Xanten to Trier (Via Traiana). With the nearby Coriovallum (5 km) and the slightly further Aquae Granni (12 km), the area seems to have been well populated, with several villas in it.
Remains of Roman buildings and graves have been found at several locations in the Kerkrade area. So too at Kerkrade-Holzkuil, where a Roman villa complex was excavated in 2002. This villa has been around for over two centuries, from the end of the first until the end of the third century. The remains of Villa Holzkuil tell the story of a relatively affluent owner and other less fortunate residents in the first century of the Common Era. The well-organised complex was established here in the last quarter of the first century, and included a series of buildings. The villa complex expanded and became more prosperous in the second century and flourished in the third. More products and goods came to the complex as the villa continued to thrive. As a result, it became more involved in the far-reaching Roman network. Set in a region with a successful economic infrastructure, life was comfortable at the villa with its elegant architecture, its heating system, running water and art.
Why the inhabitants ultimately abandoned the villa is unknown. Its demise may have started with a natural catastrophe, an earthquake, which may have caused too much damage to make it worthwhile renovating the complex. Everything of value was removed, the terrain was abandoned and forgotten.
Use the Archeo Route Limburg app for an exclusive view of Villa Holzkuil! The reconstruction was made by Dr Kees Peterse and PANSA BV computer animation, Jonker & Wu.
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NOTE: Go to the wide pedestrian and bicycle path opposite Eygelshovergracht 51 in Kerkrade (Eygelshoven). After about 250 meters you will find the Archeo Route site on the left.
More information
Thermenmuseum Heerlen
Coriovallumstraat 9
6411 CA Heerlen
www.thermenmuseum.nl