Remarkable Roman Villa with Stunning Mosaics Discovered in Thalheim bei Wels, Austria!
Archaeologists have made a stunning discovery on Reinberg Hill in Thalheim bei Wels, Austria, uncovering a vast Roman villa complex that boasts three exceptionally well-preserved mosaic floors. This finding offers fresh insight into Roman culture in the Alpine region and has been hailed as one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Upper Austria in recent years. The excavation was conducted by a joint team from OÖ Landes-Kultur GmbH and the University of Salzburg.
Perched above the ancient Roman settlement of Ovilava, modern-day Wels, this site once overlooked a city that held the prestigious status of Colonia Aurelia Antoniana Ovilabis and served as the capital of the Roman province of Noricum Ripensis. Since excavations began in 2023, more than 1,000 square metres of what is believed to be an urban villa belonging to a wealthy Roman family have been uncovered.
Photo Credit: OÖ Landes-Kultur GmbH
The highlight of the discovery is undoubtedly the trio of mosaics, which provides a rare and visually stunning glimpse into the artistic tastes of the Roman elite. The most striking is a mosaic depicting two dolphins swimming amid stylised waves, a motif seldom seen so far north from the Mediterranean heartlands.
A second mosaic features an exquisitely detailed krater, a large vessel used for mixing wine, with gracefully curved handles and intricate line work. Meanwhile, the third mosaic, still partially unearthed, reveals symmetrical geometric patterns that suggest a refined sense of style among the villa’s earliest residents.
Photo Credit: OÖ Landes-Kultur GmbH
Dating back to the 2nd century CE, these mosaics are significant evidence of the deep Romanisation of the area, as well as the opulent lifestyle enjoyed by its imperial-era inhabitants.
Governor Thomas Stelzer recently visited the site and praised the discovery, stating, “The Thalheim mosaics once again demonstrate the wonderful cultural treasures our country holds.”
The mosaics will be accessible to the public on an Open Excavation Day scheduled for 10 June, starting at 1:00 pm, when visitors can join guided tours of the site. Additionally, a lecture event titled “News from Science & Research” will take place on 25 June at OK Linz, providing further insights into the find and its historical context.
Plans are already in motion to showcase the mosaics within the revamped archaeology exhibition at the Linz Castle Museum (Schlossmuseum Linz), which is currently undergoing restoration.