The Limes Wall marked the boundary of the Roman Empire between the Rhine and the Danube. While the two rivers formed the borders to the west and south-east, a boundary wall was needed to the north. Measuring 550 kilometres in length, the Limes Wall is the biggest ground monument in Europe.
The Limes Gate in Dalkingen was built as an impressive memorial to Emperor Caracalla, who defended the Roman Empire successfully in a military campaign against the Barbarians. It was at this point that he crossed the Limes to fend off the warlike Teutons.
The remains of the wall were uncovered during archaeological excavation work in 1973/74. The Limes Gate was modelled on a Roman triumphal arch and stood around 12 metres tall. On the top was a larger-than-life bronze statue of the “Conqueror of the Teutons”.
A glazed steel frame structure over the Limes Gate is designed to preserve the unique building work for prosperity. The cubic construction ensures an unobstructed view of the ruins. The visualisation of the magnificent arch over the excavation site creates an impression of the original size of the memorial at the meeting-point between the Roman Empire and the Barbarians.
Floodlights and adjustable in-ground luminaires light up this impressive scenery. In the twilight and night, BEGA bollards on a square footprint indicate the way along the Ostalb to the glass globe.
Client Zweckverband Erholungsgebiet Rainau-Buch
Project management Landratsamt Ostalbkreis Gebäudemanagement, Aalen
General planning / Architecture / Statics isin architekten Generalplaner GmbH, Aalen
Supporting structure Graf Ingenieure, Schwäbisch Gmünd
Lighting design Kummich & Weiskopf, Bopfingen
