From Roman villas to ancient winemaking: Luxembourg to host European Archaeology Days
From 11 to 19 June 2026, Luxembourg will host the European Archaeology Days (Journées européennes de l'archéologie, JEA). Over the course of nine days, residents and visitors will be able to visit archaeological sites, take part in guided tours, lectures and workshops, and learn about the latest discoveries made by researchers.
This year’s programme features 15 events across the country. The organisers promise to showcase both well-known historical sites and the findings of recent archaeological research.
Luxembourg’s Minister for Culture, Eric Thiel, noted that European Archaeology Days help to draw attention to the country’s rich archaeological heritage and introduce the general public to the work of museums, academics, volunteers and research organisations dedicated to preserving history.
What’s in store for visitors
The programme will begin on 11 June with a presentation of the new citizen science project, Heritage Quest Luxembourg, which will enable residents to take part in researching the country’s cultural heritage. On the same day, a lecture will be held in Dalheim on the two thousand years of winemaking history in the Moselle region.
The official opening of European Archaeology Days will take place on the evening of 12 June in Echterna. Following the ceremony, guests will have the opportunity to learn about the progress of the excavations at the Petite Marquise archaeological site.
The weekend of 13 and 14 June promises to be particularly action-packed.
Visitors will be able to:
- visit the site of the Roman villa in Goblange;
- visit the Saint-Pirmin archaeological site in Caundorf;
- find out more about the Roman villa near Echterna;
- take part in guided tours of ancient Roman monuments in Vihten and Luxembourg;
- to learn about the history of archaeological research in the country;
- to see a demonstration of ancient metallurgical techniques from the Bell Beaker period;
- set off on a family trip to the Gallo-Roman settlement in Dalheim.
Special interactive activities have been organised for families with children, offering an insight into the daily life of the inhabitants of ancient Luxembourg.
Archaeology for Everyone
Following the main weekend, the programme will continue with two themed conferences. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about Roman finds in the rivers of the Trier region and about new methods for studying archaeological sites in Roman Britain.
European Archaeology Days are organised under the auspices of the Council of Europe and bring together more than 5,000 events across 30 countries. In Luxembourg, the project is coordinated by the National Institute for Archaeological Research (INRA) in collaboration with museums, local authorities and community organisations.
The full programme of events will be available on the official website of European Archaeology Days and on the Luxembourg Ministry of Culture’s website.
