Cities
Germany Mainz Rhineland-Palatinate Historical Landmark

Drususstein

About

The Drususstein in Mainz is a towering Roman cenotaph that honors General Nero Claudius Drusus, a key figure in the early imperial campaigns across Germania. Erected in 9 BCE by Roman troops stationed at Mogontiacum—modern-day Mainz—the monument originally stood encased in marble and served as the focal point of memorial rites and the imperial cult. Drusus, stepson of Emperor Augustus, had established the legionary base here around 13 BCE, laying the foundations for Mainz’s strategic importance. Though his body was buried in Rome, the Drususstein became a symbolic tomb and ceremonial site. It once connected to a vast Roman theatre via a processional road, underscoring its role in public ritual and remembrance. Today, the nearly 20-meter-high masonry block stands within the Mainz Citadel, offering visitors a rare glimpse into Roman funerary architecture and the city’s ancient legacy.

Mainz Germany
Drususstein
Location

Drususstein is located in the southwest corner of the Citadel of Mainz, on Jakobsberg hill overlooking the city, and is easily accessed via the Citadel grounds near key public transport links like the Mainz Römisches Theater station. This imposing Roman cenotaph stands nearly 20 meters high and is considered one of the oldest surviving monuments in Mainz, dating to 9 BC, and commemorates the general Nero Claudius Drusus. Nearby attractions include the historic Citadel itself, which hosts cultural events, the ancient Roman Theatre, and the Sanctuary of Isis and Magna Mater. The Drususstein is also within walking distance of Old Town sites like Mainz Cathedral, the Landesmuseum Mainz, the Gutenberg Museum, and Fastnachtsbrunnen, making it an ideal stop for history enthusiasts exploring the city’s Roman heritage and vibrant surroundings.​

Gutenberg‑Museum Gutenberg‑Museum Museum Landesmuseum Mainz Landesmuseum Mainz Museum Naturhistorisches Museum Mainz Naturhistorisches Museum Mainz Museum Bischöfliches Dom‑ und Diözesanmuseum Bischöfliches Dom‑ und Diözesanmuseum Museum Mainzer Fastnachtsmuseum Mainzer Fastnachtsmuseum Museum Kupferberg‑Museum Kupferberg‑Museum Museum Leibniz‑Zentrum für Archäologie Leibniz‑Zentrum für Archäologie Museum Stadthistorisches Museum Mainz Stadthistorisches Museum Mainz Museum Garnisonsmuseum Mainz Garnisonsmuseum Mainz Museum Ziegelmuseum Mainz‑Bretzenheim Ziegelmuseum Mainz‑Bretzenheim Museum Museum für Antike Schifffahrt Museum für Antike Schifffahrt Museum Sanctuary of Isis and Magna Mater Sanctuary of Isis and Magna Mater Museum Museum Castellum Mainz/Kastel Museum Castellum Mainz/Kastel Museum Deutsches Kabarett­Archiv und Museum Deutsches Kabarett­Archiv und Museum Museum Staatstheater Mainz Staatstheater Mainz Theatre Mainzer Kammerspiele Mainzer Kammerspiele Theatre Galli Theater Mainz Galli Theater Mainz Theatre Frankfurter Hof Frankfurter Hof Theatre Unterhaus Unterhaus Theatre Showbühne Mainz Showbühne Mainz Theatre Römisches Theater Mainz Römisches Theater Mainz Historical Landmark KUZ Kulturzentrum Mainz KUZ Kulturzentrum Mainz Theatre Kinder‑ und Jugendzentrum Reduit Kinder‑ und Jugendzentrum Reduit Theatre Galerie Art Mayence Galerie Art Mayence Gallery Galerie Haus zum Stein Galerie Haus zum Stein Historical Landmark Galerie Dr. Dorothea van der Koelen Galerie Dr. Dorothea van der Koelen Gallery Kunsthalle Mainz Kunsthalle Mainz Gallery Kurfürstliches Schloss Kurfürstliches Schloss Historical Landmark Haus zum Stein Haus zum Stein Castle Proviant‑Magazin der Festung Mainz Proviant‑Magazin der Festung Mainz Historical Landmark Eltzer Hof Eltzer Hof Historical Landmark St. Stephans Kirche St. Stephans Kirche Church St. Peterskirche St. Peterskirche Church Castle Gate Castle Gate Historical Landmark Mainz Cathedral Mainz Cathedral Cathedral Markt Mainz Markt Mainz Square Citadel Mainz Citadel Mainz Fortress Fastnachtsbrunnen Fastnachtsbrunnen Historical Landmark Kirschgarten Kirschgarten Square Gutenberg Monument Gutenberg Monument Cultural landmark Heunensäule Heunensäule Tourist attractions Arch of Dativius Victor Arch of Dativius Victor Historical Landmark Römerpassage Römerpassage Shopping Centre Uferpromenade am Rhein Uferpromenade am Rhein Tourist attractions Great Mainz Jupiter Column Great Mainz Jupiter Column Historical Landmark Botanischer Garten der Johannes Gutenberg‑Universität Mainz Botanischer Garten der Johannes Gutenberg‑Universität Mainz Botanical Garden Stadtpark Mainz Stadtpark Mainz Park Volkspark Mainz Volkspark Mainz Park Wallgrünanlagen Wallgrünanlagen Park Wildpark Gonsenheim Wildpark Gonsenheim Park Hartenbergpark Hartenbergpark Park Eisenturm Eisenturm Historic Landmark Holzturm Holzturm Tourist attractions Alexanderturm Alexanderturm Historical Landmark Paul‑Baumann‑Sternwarte Paul‑Baumann‑Sternwarte Observatory