Roman Villa Borg

The Roman Villa Borg in Perl-Borg is an archaeological open-air museum in the far west of Saarland, just a few miles from Luxembourg and France. On original foundations, archaeologists have fully rebuilt a Roman country estate, or villa rustica, complete with a manor house, bath complex, tavern, gardens and workshops. It is one of the best places in Germany to picture how wealthy Romans lived in the countryside nearly 2,000 years ago.

Where it is and how to get there

The villa sits in the hilly Saar-Moselle border region, about 50 km (31 miles) southwest of Trier and roughly an hour's drive from Saarbrücken. Luxembourg City is around 40 minutes away by car, making it an easy day trip from there too. Driving is the most practical option; the visitor parking lot has 44 spaces, including two accessible spots. Trier, Germany's oldest city with its own Roman UNESCO sites, pairs naturally with a visit here.

From excavation to reconstruction

Systematic excavations began in 1987 and revealed a late Celtic farmstead replaced by an early Roman villa and later a stone building. In 1994, the decision was made to reconstruct the whole complex. The tavern and baths opened in 1997, the manor house in 1999, and the final wing in 2001. The site covers about 7.5 hectares (18.5 acres).

Things to see

• The manor house, with a large reception hall, furniture built from ancient models and a museum of local finds
• The Roman baths, showing how underfloor heating (hypocaust) worked
• Roman-style gardens and a reconstructed kitchen
• Workshops for glassblowing, pottery and smithing, used for experimental archaeology
• A 30-minute multimedia show in German, English or French, included with admission

Tickets and opening hours

As of October 2026, the villa is open Tuesday to Sunday and on holidays: 10 am to 6 pm from April to October and 11 am to 4 pm in February, March and November. It is closed in December and January and on Mondays. Adults pay €6, reduced €4, children up to 14 pay €2 (under 6 free), and a family ticket costs €12. Group tours are available in English.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially for families and anyone interested in Roman history. Plan two to three hours and eat at the on-site tavern, which serves dishes based on recipes by the Roman gourmet Apicius. Leashed dogs are welcome outdoors.