The sound of the bell at the Rauschermühle leads Laachus to the fascinating Roman mine at Meurin. Fascinated, Laachus descends into the underground world of Roman miners and soldiers, who once quarried tuff there for their homes and palaces. Via footbridges, ramps, and stairs, Laachus experiences the fascinating ancient tunnel system from a bird’s-eye view. Laachus can also check out—and even try out—medieval workshops, an ancient construction crane, a water-powered stone saw, and a lathe. Laachus marvels at the techniques the Romans developed and doesn’t miss the chance to visit the tumulus, a Roman burial site near Nickenich, as well as the adjacent niche tomb. Large rectangular stones form a foundation with a diameter of seven meters. Somehow, the stones remind Laachus of Tuffany, whom he misses dearly. “That’s right,” one of the stones suddenly pipes up, “we’re made of tuff, too.” “Can you read minds?” asks Laachus. “When you’ve been lying here for almost 2,000 years, you learn a thing or two,” replies the block. “What are you doing here?” Laachus wants to know. “I commemorate the death of a mother and her son Silvanus,” the stone reports proudly. “That’s a great task for a stone,” Laachus praises, impressed. “Tell me, if you’re so wise, can you also explain to me why I’m floating?” “Well, to be honest…” the block hesitates, “…I actually have an idea. Go to Krufter Waldsee. It’s a former pumice pit—I could imagine that you’ll find many like-minded souls there, and answers as well.” “Thank you!” Laachus exclaims happily, deeply moved by the thought that he still has relatives. Now he wants to get to Krufter Waldsee as quickly as possible. And so Laachus continues on his way through the legendary volcanic region of Lake Laach to find out why he can swim.

Location info: 

Meurin Roman Mine, Nickenicher Straße, 56630 Kretz

Roman burial mound, Laacher Straße, 56645 Nickenich

Both are stops on the "Roads of the Romans."