In 15 BC the Roman army conquered Raetia and thus the District of Sargans as well as the Rhine Valley. As a result the area was romanized: the language and the culture of the south were introduced and started to mix with the Raetian culture.
In the 1st century AD a Roman manor was built on the slope of Mount Gonzen. It was part of a large farm-house estate. This “villa rustica” had the typical Roman design and consisted of a mansion including a hall, a colonnade and other residential buildings. There was also a bathhouse and workrooms.
There have been archaeological excavations since the 19th century and we are therefore well informed about the Roman estate. Under a protective glass house the original remnants can be viewed. The hypocast heating system is of particular interest: wood was burnt in a fire hole, and the hot air then circulated below the floor, and through the hollow tiles in the walls, thus heating the room. The pillars under the floor (pilae stacks) originated from Rapperswil on the Lake of Zurich whereas the floor was made of local verrucano stone. The floor was smoothed with mortar and the walls were plastered and painted.
Across today’s road, below the barn, the remnants of a bath house are hidden. The Roman family did not want to miss the luxury of daily hygiene. The bathing complex consisted of several cold and warm water pools, which were also heated by the hypocast heating system.
Another part of the Roman Villa Rustica of Sargans was a brick works, where a large number of roof tiles and hollow tiles were produced from local clay. Five furnaces have been discovered here so far.
Sargans is considered to be one of the most important Roman villas between the main ridge of the Alps and Lake Constance. The estate was deserted around 280 AD.
Visiting the Roman Villa Rustica
The excavations can be seen through the glass house at any time. For entrance into the glass house and for tours please contact the local tourist offices
phone +41 81 720 08 50
or +41 81 723 53 30
More information
The Roman Villa Sargans
Cantonal Archaeology St.Gallen – Roman Villa Sargans
Roman Villa Plan
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