DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

St. Mamertus Excavations

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Historical site
—°10
St. Mamertus Excavations (Liechtenstein)

Weather…

The excavations of St. Mamertus in Triesen represent one of Liechtenstein's most significant archaeological monuments. The site includes the remains of a Roman villa and the foundations of an early Christian chapel dating from the 5th or 6th century. These sacred buildings bear witness to the early Christianization of the Alpine Rhine Valley and the continuity of settlement since antiquity. Systematic excavations in the 1960s provided valuable insights into the architectural development of the site over several centuries. Today, the preserved ruins are open to the public and offer a glimpse into the Roman and early medieval history of the region. Its location on the slope also provides a strategic overview of the Rhine Valley, highlighting the historical importance of the site. It is a protected cultural asset of national importance.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-6-5-1481314141060-4
Rain mm927091931471731691851211039193

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The archaeological ruins of St. Mamertus are generally accessible as an outdoor heritage site, allowing visitors to walk around and explore the remnants of history at their own pace. The site provides a fascinating glimpse into the region's ancient past.
🕒
Typical hours
As an outdoor archaeological area, the excavations are typically open and visible throughout the day from dawn until dusk. There are usually no strict operating hours, meaning early birds and evening strollers can easily include this site in their plans.
📷
Photography
The historic ruins offer an excellent subject for evocative photography, particularly when captured during the golden hour just before sunset. Visitors are encouraged to take pictures of the ancient stones against the backdrop of the scenic landscape.
⏱️
Time needed
A comprehensive walk around the excavation site generally requires about twenty to forty minutes, depending on one's interest in archaeological details. This allows enough time to read any informational signs and fully absorb the historical atmosphere.
➕
Combine with
These fascinating ruins pair exceptionally well with a leisurely walking tour through the broader historic areas of Triesen and its appealing surroundings. Consider stopping by a local cafe in the village to relax and reflect on the region's rich heritage.
🧭
Getting there
The excavation area is typically accessible via well-maintained paths from the center of Triesen, making it an easy addition to any walking itinerary. Visitors arriving by car will usually find designated parking spaces in the vicinity of the site.
💡
Insider tip
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as the terrain around the archaeological site can be uneven and slightly rocky in places. Bringing along a small bottle of water is also recommended during the warmer summer months.

Geography

Coordinates
47.10500, 9.53050

Facts

  • Systematic excavations took place between 1963 and 1965.
  • The oldest settlement traces date back to the Bronze Age.
  • The Roman villa was constructed in the 2nd century AD.
  • The chapel of St. Mamertus was first mentioned in documents in 1481.
  • The site is located on a natural terrace above Triesen.
  • Archaeologists found graves from the Merovingian period in the vicinity.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

St. Mamertus ChapelSt. Mamertus Chapel<1 km · NWExplore →
Old Walser HouseOld Walser House2 km · NEExplore →
Vaduz Viewpoint 11Vaduz Viewpoint 113 km · NWExplore →
MaseschaMasescha3 km · NEExplore →
Steg Reservoir (Gänglesee)Steg Reservoir (Gänglesee)3 km · EExplore →
Balzers Viewpoint 2Balzers Viewpoint 23 km · SWExplore →
Liechtenstein National MuseumLiechtenstein National Museum4 km · NExplore →
JunkerauJunkerau5 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town St. Mamertus Excavations (10)

Sankt Mamerten

Chapel in Triesen, Principality of Liechtenstein, dedicated to Saint Mamertus.

Gasometer Kulturzentrum Triesen🏛 museum

Cultural centre in a former gasometer in Triesen.

🕒 Fr 16:00-20:00; Sa,Su 14:00-18:00🆓

Kulturzentrum Gasometer

Art and culture centre with events and exhibitions in Triesen.

🕒 Fr 16:00-20:00; Sa,Su 14:00-18:00

Lama- & Alpakahof Triesenberg

Farm with llamas and alpacas, open for visits and feeding.

Seilpark im Forst

Climbing park in the forest with various courses and zip lines.

Naturschutzgebiet Matilaberg

Protected nature reserve at Matilaberg with distinctive flora and fauna.

Bad Vogelsang

Ruins of a former bath or building in Triesen.

Heimatmuseum🏛 museum

Local history museum in Triesen, presenting the region's past.

Pfarrkirche Sankt Josef

Catholic parish church in the Principality of Liechtenstein, dedicated to Saint Joseph.

Walsermuseum🏛 museum

Local history museum about the Walser culture in Triesenberg, Liechtenstein.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the St. Mamertus excavations?
They are the archaeological remains of an early Christian chapel in Triesen.
How old are the finds?
The foundations date back to the 9th century.
Is the excavation site freely accessible?
Yes, it is located outdoors and can be visited at any time.
Where exactly in Triesen is the site located?
It is located in the Oberdorf district, slightly elevated on the slope.
Are there info boards?
Yes, boards on site explain the history and archaeological significance.
St. Mamertus Excavations: where is it located?
St. Mamertus Excavations is located in Liechtenstein.
St. Mamertus Excavations: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sankt Mamerten, Gasometer Kulturzentrum Triesen, Kulturzentrum Gasometer.
St. Mamertus Excavations: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Liechtenstein →

History & landmarks

Old Post Office Vaduz — St. Mamertus Excavations (Liechtenstein)
Old Post Office Vaduz
The old post office building in Vaduz shows the traditional architecture of the Principality.
Village Square Balzers — St. Mamertus Excavations (Liechtenstein)
Village Square Balzers
The historical center of Balzers at the foot of Gutenberg Castle.
Rhine Bridge Balzers — St. Mamertus Excavations (Liechtenstein)
Rhine Bridge Balzers
The old Rhine bridge connects Balzers in Liechtenstein with Trübbach in Switzerland.
Schaan Town Hall — St. Mamertus Excavations (Liechtenstein)
Schaan Town Hall
The town hall of Schaan is the administrative center of the most populous municipality.
Theater am Kirchplatz (TaK) — St. Mamertus Excavations (Liechtenstein)
Theater am Kirchplatz (TaK)
The Theater am Kirchplatz is the most important cultural venue for performing arts in the country.
Dreischwesternhaus — St. Mamertus Excavations (Liechtenstein)
Dreischwesternhaus
The Dreischwesternhaus in Planken is a prominent municipal building on the hillside.
Lourdes Grotto Bendern — St. Mamertus Excavations (Liechtenstein)
Lourdes Grotto Bendern
A recreated Lourdes grotto below the church hill as a place of reflection.

Nature

Nospitz — St. Mamertus Excavations (Liechtenstein)
Nospitz
Nospitz is a prominent peak near Malbun in the Liechtenstein Oberland.
Ochsenkopf — St. Mamertus Excavations (Liechtenstein)
Ochsenkopf
Ochsenkopf is a distinctive mountain in the Liechtenstein alpine region.
Scheienkopf — St. Mamertus Excavations (Liechtenstein)
Scheienkopf
Scheienkopf is located in the Liechtenstein Alps and forms a natural boundary in the mountain landscape.

More places

Parish Church of St. Gallus — St. Mamertus Excavations (Liechtenstein)
Parish Church of St. Gallus
The parish church of St.
Kosthaus Triesen — St. Mamertus Excavations (Liechtenstein)
Kosthaus Triesen
The old Kosthaus in Triesen is a monument of early industrialization.
Gasthaus zur Sonne — St. Mamertus Excavations (Liechtenstein)
Gasthaus zur Sonne
The Gasthaus zur Sonne is a historic tavern in the heart of Triesen.
Jenny &amp; Spörry Factory Building — St. Mamertus Excavations (Liechtenstein)
Jenny & Spörry Factory Building
A historic factory building in Triesen that is a reminder of Liechtenstein's textile industry.
🗺️
Old Walser House
A traditional Walser house that shows the typical wooden construction of the region.
🗺️
Triesenberg Town Hall
The administrative building of the higher-altitude Walser community of Triesenberg.
🗺️
Parish Church of St. Joseph
The parish church of St.
Theodul Chapel (Masescha) — St. Mamertus Excavations (Liechtenstein)
Theodul Chapel (Masescha)
The historic Theodul Chapel in Masescha dates from the time of the Walser immigration.