On August 29 and 30, the Gallo-Roman Museum and the historic center of Tongeren come alive for the second edition of the Roman Festival. A true journey back in time, this immersive event brings together more than fifty specialists to bring Atuatuca Tungrorum— Belgium’s oldest city—back to life. From thrilling gladiator battles to ancient music, mythological tales, and craft demonstrations, festivalgoers will be immersed in daily life as it was 2,000 years ago. The experience extends to the dining table with the exclusive launch of a reimagined Roman appetizer platter, created through a collaboration between archaeologists and local artisans. Discover the captivating and gourmet program of this Roman immersion!
Legends and Ancient Market: The Immersive Program of the Roman Festival
Throughout the weekend, the Gallo-Roman Museum and its surroundings are transformed into a veritable open-air theater. As the heart of the event, the ancient market brings together blacksmiths, potters, basket weavers, and tablet makers, who reveal the secrets of traditional crafts. Nearby, legionnaires invite visitors to handle their weapons and recount their little-known role in the major construction projects that shaped Atuatuca Tungrorum. The excitement reaches a fever pitch in the arena during the thrilling gladiator combat demonstrations, accompanied by fascinating insights into daily life at the gladiator schools.
The immersion continues with spellbinding artistic and mythological interludes. In the heart of the museum, singer Elly Aerden performs poetic compositions in Latin, blending folk, jazz, and fado. In the tranquil setting of the Teseum cloister, storyteller Paul Groos brings to life the great talesof Orpheus,Icarus, and Cupid and Psyche. As for the workshops—from helmet-making tothe baking workshop and Roman caricature sessions—everyone will leave with unforgettable memories.
History and Culinary Delights: The Reimagined Roman Appetizer Platter
What did people eat in Tongeren two thousand years ago? To answer this question, the Gallo-Roman Museum and the Amusée museum café teamed up with Jeroen Van Vaerenbergh, a food archaeologist. By analyzing culinary remains found during local excavations, this passionate team deciphered the gastronomic habits of the time. Chef Alwin Paul then transformed these historical discoveries into a unique platter to share, blending ancient recipes with exceptional local ingredients from today.
During the tasting, visitors will embark on a journey through unique flavors: artisanal vegetable dips, aged cheeses, Looz syrup, and vegetables marinated in celery and onion, accompanied by sourdough bread from the local Brijosh bakery. The centerpiece is a mini-burger topped with Tongeren watercress and Ménapian pork—an ancient breed that’s been revived to recapture the authentic flavors of the past. It’s the perfect opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Roman life of yesteryear, just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Brussels.
📍Gallo-Roman Museum of Tongeren, Museumkwartier 5, 3700 Tongeren-Borgloon
