Luxembourg's Ministry of Culture is preparing a plan to turn an ancient site into a cultural space
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The Minister of Culture, Eric Thill, confirmed in a parliamentary answer that a project for the sustainable valorisation (meaningful use) of an ancient Roman villa has been initiated in Schieren on the basis of archaeological excavations in recent years. The site has yielded extremely valuable finds, including antique frescoes, and the site is located in a strategically and naturally sensitive area - on a slope, close to the important B7 transport artery.
The INRA Archaeological Institute has completed the initial phase of works covering both the main building and the surrounding area on both sides of the track. The agency is now preparing possible options for the development of the excavations and the future use of the main building.
A phased approach is planned, including:
- Studying the experience of similar objects abroad - both positive and negative. One of the objects of comparison will be a Roman villa in Silberberg, Ahrweiler district in Germany.
- Based on the analysis, a feasibility study will be carried out.
- Then work will start with stakeholders (municipality, ministries, experts) to select and approve the final project.
The Minister emphasises that it is important not just to turn the place into a museum, but to create a unique concept that combines archaeology, culture and modern forms of perceiving history.
Given the natural and cultural sensitivity of the site, the authorities intend to proceed cautiously and in stages. The Minister hopes that by the beginning of 2027, a concrete project will emerge, reflecting both the scientific value of the finds and the possibilities of integration into the cultural and tourist infrastructure of the region.
