On Saturday, October 18, the center of Elst will transform into a lively piece of Roman history. During the Romans Festival, the theme of religion and rituals will be central. Visitors can expect exciting stories, special activities, and spectacular demonstrations that bring the history of over 2000 years ago to life.

UNESCO World Heritage under the Great Church

Elst is unique. Beneath the Great Church, in the center of Elst, lie the remains of the largest Gallo-Roman temple in Northern Europe. This discovery has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Alderman of art, culture, and heritage Evert Westerbeek: “The Romans Festival is the chance to experience the special history of Overbetuwe firsthand. From impressive temple remains to stories about the daily life of the Romans. Roman life comes back to life in Elst.”

From soldier school to Roman market in the center of Elst

The festival starts at 11:00 AM with the official opening by Alderman Westerbeek. Until 4:00 PM you can see, feel, hear, smell, and taste Roman Elst. At various shops in the center, the Great Church, in front of the town hall square, and at the library on Europaplein, there are various activities:

  • Meet Roman soldiers, priests, and craftsmen.
  • Taste Roman snacks and drinks at the Roman Market.
  • Have your horoscope explained by an astrologer.
  • Meet real gladiators at the library.
  • Join the soldier school at Europaplein, where the centurion prepares visitors aged 7 to 77 for the battle against the barbarians.
  • Listen to exciting stories from the Roman master storyteller at the library.

Guided tours of the Gallo-Roman temples from the 1st century

From 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM, free guided tours start every three quarters of an hour at the Temple-Church Museum in the Great Church (Grote Molenstraat 2). Here, visitors can discover the unique remains of two Gallo-Roman temples beneath the church floor. Tickets are available from 11:00 AM at the church (full = full). Suitable for adults and children from 7 years old.

Young Romans in action

Young visitors are also considered. Together with the culture coach of Overbetuwe, the Temple-Church Museum organizes a coloring competition for groups 6 to 8 and storytelling competitions for groups 1 to 8. There are beautiful prizes to be won, including a guided tour for the entire class at the Temple-Church Museum, a nice book, or even a real Roman in the classroom. The coloring pages will be distributed at school. Thus, we combine the Romans Festival with a creative challenge for all primary school students!

The Romans Festival lasts from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and takes place at various locations in the center of Elst. Admission is free.