Located between Lausanne and Berne, the former capital of Roman Helvetia is a historical treasure and the Avenches Roman Museum, housed in a mediaeval tower overlooking the famous amphitheatre, explores this exceptional heritage.
The Roman Museum is dedicated entirely to Aventicum, the capital of Roman Helvetia. Surrounded by a 5.5 km wall with 4 gates and 73 towers leading up to the ramparts, Aventicum had a population of 20,000, a number that has never again been reached in the history of Avenches.
Opened in 1938, this museum is located in the 12th century fortified tower built on the Roman amphitheatre. It includes a display of mosaics and friezes and explores the history and romanisation of Aventicum and the private life of the Helvetii. The key piece of the collection is a gold bust of the Emperor Marc-Aurèle, found in 1939 in a pipe of the Cigognier sanctuary.
The remains of the theatre and amphitheatre, a temple, a sanctuary, the thermal baths of the forum or the east gate of Aventicum are permanently visible and accessible.
From the 11 to the 20 October, the museum is open from Monday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm during the Biennal of Contemporary Textiles Arts.
The third floor of the museum will be partially accessible during the month of September in order to welcome the new permanent exhibition from Tuesday, October 29, 2019.
- Musée romain d'Avenches
- Tour de l'amphithéâtre
- 1580 Avenches - CH
Practical information
From April to September
Tuesday to Sunday - 10 am to 5 pm
Open on Easter Monday and Pentecost
Open every day in June - 10 am to 5 pm
October and from February to March
Tuesday to Sunday - 2pm to 5pm
From November to January:
Wednesday to Sunday - 2pm to 5 pm
Closed on December 25, 26 and 31 and January 1st and 2nd
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