Avenches, from the Middle Ages to today

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Throughout the year, the city of Avenches comes alive with many parties and festivals. Whether in the magical setting of the Roman arenas or in the heart of the medieval city, the city of Avenches offers you moments of emotion to share with family or friends!

Horse capital

If Switzerland is the land of the horse, Avenches is its capital. The breeding and keeping of horses dates back to the Celtic period and has continued to develop ever since.

Guided Tours and Workshops

More than 2000 years of history have shaped the Avenches town and its life. Discover this remarkable and unique heritage in Switzerland.

Aventicum – Capital of Roman Helvetia

The habits and customs of Aventicum’s inhabitants 2000 years ago included entertaining themselves at the arena by attending gladiator fights, taking time for their well-being, as well as basking and relaxing at the thermal baths. This Roman city was the capital of the Helvetii people, numbering 20,000 souls at the time; a settlement that rose to be a colony and was placed under the Emperor’s protection. Its influence and outreach extended far and wide, from the north to the south of the Alps. Evidence from this sumptuous and flourishing era are still visible today when visiting the Roman Site’s vestiges of its imposing monuments and the Roman Museum’s impressive collection of ancient objects.