In the heart of Cologne, workers and archaeologists have discovered an important Roman sacred site during the construction of a Jewish museum. The findings include a private stone altar and the foundations of a monumental staircase that once led from the Praetorium—the residence of the Roman governor—down toward the Rhine River. The site dates back to the 1st century AD, representing the earliest layers of the city's Roman occupation.
The discovery of the private altar suggests that the residence of the governor was not just a political hub but also a site for high-status religious observances. Archaeologists are currently analyzing the inscriptions found on the limestone fragments to identify the deity to whom the altar was dedicated. This discovery adds a significant piece to the puzzle of Cologne’s transformation into the capital of Germania Inferior.