Viehmarktplatz

Viehmarktplatz presents an open urban square where Roman ruins, market history, and daily civic life meet across centuries. The square once held a Capuchin monastery garden. Later, Viehmarktplatz became the city’s main cattle market, bringing traders, animals, and movement into this central space. Red paving stones mark Roman street crossings beneath the plaza. Excavation for an underground garage revealed Roman baths, now preserved by the Thermenmuseum beneath a striking glass structure. Oswald Mathias Ungers designed the protective glass building. The remains connect ancient bathing culture with a public square that serves residents, markets, city offices, and visitors. Weekly markets bring activity back to the square. Red paving stones link the visible surface with archaeological layers beneath the plaza. Plans for more greenery and shade shape the square’s future. Its changing uses include a monastery garden, cattle market, post-war car park, and present civic meeting place. Viehmarktplatz holds these histories within one civic space.