The Roman Site of Aventicum
The walk begins in the heart of the medieval village of Avenches, a jewel of medieval architecture, which leads hikers to the grand Amphitheater. At the time of the Romans, it could accommodate up to 16,000 spectators who came to watch the gladiator fights, exotic animal hunts and enjoy various forms of entertainment. Today, this arena is the scene for music festivals throughout the summer season.
On the outskirts of the modern town, the majestic vestiges of ancient monuments can still be seen and are the last witnesses of Aventicum’s flourishing period; historically cited today, although covered by nature’s lush greenery. The “Cigognier” Sanctuary, the Roman Theater and the Thermal Baths reveal a glimpse of the ancient Helvetii capital’s glorious past.
A bird’s eye view awaits you from the “Porte de l’Est” and the Tornallaz Tower, on the edge of the ancient city surrounded by a still partially visible wall. The exceptional 360° panoramic view, over the Roman Site, the medieval town of Avenches, Lake Murten and the Vully vineyards, reveals the Roman Helvetia capital’s incomparable beauty and its lush greenery.
At the end of the walk, a visit to the Roman Museum is essential. It gives an overview of the many objects of worship and everyday life in Aventicum. The ancient city’s secrets are revealed in 3D images. Objects belonging to the Museum’s collection have been found in-situ during archaeological excavations and certain historical items are of inestimable value due to their rarity; such as the famous golden bust of Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
East Gate (Avenches Tourisme)
481.79791259766
Avenches Tourism
Ideally located in the town centre, the Avenches Tourist Office is committed to providing you with all the information you need to enjoy your stay in Avenches and the region.
You will receive all the advice and suggestions on the various activities and leisure activities in the region.
Avenches Tourisme (© Avenches Tourisme)
470.33908081055
Musée romain d'Avenches
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 1838, 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.
Roman Museum in Avenches (© Avenches Tourisme / Marc-André Guex)
Roman Museum in Avenches (© SMRA - Paul Lutz)
Roman Museum Avenches (Charlotte Walker)
463.03695678711
Roman site - Stereoscopes
Installed in front of the Roman monuments, the stereoscopes make it possible to discover the initial aspect of the various vestiges in 3D.
The different stereoscopes are installed in the following locations:
- At the entrance to the Place du Rafour, opposite the entrance of the amphitheater under the Roman Museum Tower
- At the Temple de la Grange des Dîmes, in the car park on the other side of the cantonal road
- At the Cigognier Sanctuary, near the benches under the tree
- At the Roman Theater, north of the theater, at the intersection with the road to Donatyre
Stéréoscope (Avenches Tourisme)
Stéréoscope (Avenches Tourisme)
Stéréoscope (Avenches Tourisme)
450.8557434082
The Roman Site of Aventicum
The walk begins in the heart of the medieval village of Avenches, a jewel of medieval architecture, which leads hikers to the grand Amphitheater. At the time of the Romans, it could accommodate up to 16,000 spectators who came to watch the gladiator fights, exotic animal hunts and enjoy various forms of entertainment. Today, this arena is the scene for music festivals throughout the summer season.
On the outskirts of the modern town, the majestic vestiges of ancient monuments can still be seen and are the last witnesses of Aventicum’s flourishing period; historically cited today, although covered by nature’s lush greenery. The “Cigognier” Sanctuary, the Roman Theater and the Thermal Baths reveal a glimpse of the ancient Helvetii capital’s glorious past.
A bird’s eye view awaits you from the “Porte de l’Est” and the Tornallaz Tower, on the edge of the ancient city surrounded by a still partially visible wall. The exceptional 360° panoramic view, over the Roman Site, the medieval town of Avenches, Lake Murten and the Vully vineyards, reveals the Roman Helvetia capital’s incomparable beauty and its lush greenery.
At the end of the walk, a visit to the Roman Museum is essential. It gives an overview of the many objects of worship and everyday life in Aventicum. The ancient city’s secrets are revealed in 3D images. Objects belonging to the Museum’s collection have been found in-situ during archaeological excavations and certain historical items are of inestimable value due to their rarity; such as the famous golden bust of Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
This ride can also be done by bike
East Gate (Avenches Tourisme)
Roman site of Aventicum (Avenches Tourisme)
Waldensisches Antiquitätenerbe (Patrimoine Antique Vaudois)
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