Fectio Watchtower

The Fectio watchtower was built in 2004 to remind visitors that Vechten once was an important military settlement. It was made out of wood and has three levels. The upper level probably served as armory; from the balcony, fire and smoke signals could be given to nearby forts (e.g., Traiectum in the northwest or Levefanum in the southeast). The middle level was used as a sleeping room and contained the entrance; and downstairs was a cellar.

These towers were situated on the southern bank of the Rhine; several have been identified west of Utrecht, at Utrecht-Leidse Rijn (formerly known as Vleuten). Similar constructions have been excavated in Germany (e.g., Rainau).

Literature

• Robert Vermaat, Roman 'turris' at Fort Vechten