From the Stone Age to the early Middle Ages, faithful replicas of residential and farm buildings offer a glimpse into the past living environments of Central Europe. Huts made of clay and wood show living and working areas such as the crafts of stone cutters, bronze casters or wood turners. The buildings are grouped into settlements from different eras, complemented by fields and gardens. The first types of grain - emmer and spelt - can be seen, as well as peas, beans and dye plants. Picturesque paths lead visitors through the archaeological outdoor area. During the historical festivals, the open-air site is full of life - when Stone Age hunters, Celts or Huns camp and celebrate. Our activity programmes and historical craft courses make it possible to try out history for yourself!

The settlement complexes are divided into the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age and early Middle Ages. The houses are all models of buildings based on archaeological excavations. Everyday artefacts are on display inside to bring the living environment of our ancestors to life.

The Palaeolithic complex consists of light tents, a fireplace and a "cache". The models are based on the interpretation of an excavation find from Kammern-Grubgraben near Langenlois (Lower Austria) and on ethnohistoric models, particularly from Tierra del Fuego. Based on new findings from recent excavations, the complex has been extended to include a "cache" for the meat of hunted prey.

Part of the tour is dedicated to the realisation of historical techniques. Every year, students from the University of Vienna come together here to carry out experiments in experimental archaeology. In addition to racing ovens and anvils, there are also grating plates for grinding grain and clay dome ovens for baking bread.

The tour ends with the early Middle Ages. An early medieval church was built by experimental archaeologists based on findings from Pohansko from the 9th century.

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MAMUZ Schloss Asparn/Zaya is a partner of Nature in the Garden. The archaeological outdoor area is 100% ecologically managed and maintained. This is what distinguishes Nature in the Garden with the Golden Hedgehog.