The Romans' influence on the Upper Rhine Valley

A trip to the picturesque Upper Rhine Valley makes visitors feel as though they have been transported far back in time when Germania was a significant province of the Roman Empire. A myriad of ancient finds and well-preserved monuments testify to the common history of the Palatine and the adjacent Alsace. Along the river Rhine some of Germany’s greatest cultural treasures can be found. The Romans built imposing fortresses and vibrant cities along this waterway, establishing a tradition of wine production in the region that still thrives today. Unwilling to forego their beloved customs while away from home, they brought with them some elements of their lavish lifestyle and culture (e.g. the famous terra sigillata pottery) as well as various Mediterranean plants (e.g. chestnut and walnut trees), which even today continue to leave their mark on the landscapes and the customs of the people.