Discover the site
After Caesar’s Conquest, the ancient town of Aventicum became the political and administrative centre or Roman Helvetia. Considered a Roman colony, the town developed till the 3rd century AD. Although the population diminished afterwards, the town was the bishop’s seat till the 6th century. Avenches is one of the most important archaeological sites in Switzerland and many Roman and medieval ruins can still be seen. One of the most impressive Roman buildings is the amphitheatre, which once could accommodate more than 16’000 spectators and still is in use today!
Activities
The Roman site and Museum of Avenches regularly organises temporary exhibitions, guided tours and events to promote its archaeological treasures. On certain Saturdays, aperitifs are organised, where special guests speak about different themes related to Aventicum’s past. You can also visit the archaeological depositories. A mobile-phone app is now available for the visitors of the Site and Museum of Avenches. You can therefore visit at leisure the ancient monuments and the exhibitions of the Museum on www.appmuseums.ch/mra.
To celebrate the 2'000th anniversary of Avenches, the Roman site and Museum and Avenches Tourisme organised a 3D sound-and-light show on the «Great Story of Aventicum» in the Cigognier sanctuary. Slides were projected on three giant screens. The monuments were illuminated and fire, light and shadow effects completed the scenario. This performance was first presented in July 2016, as Aventicum was the site of the month.
Practical information
Opening hours of the museum: From 1st April to 30th September: From Tuesday to Sunday, from 10h - 17h. Open on Easter Monday, Whit-Monday and every Monday in June. From 1st au 31st October: From Tuesday to Sunday, from 14h - 17h. From 1st November au 31st January: From Wednesday to Sunday, from 14h - 17h. From 1st February au 31st March: From Tuesday to Sunday, from 14h - 17h.
The museum and the visit of the site are free of charge. Different guided tours are proposed:
Museum: A part of Aventicum’s treasure is exhibited in the museum. This visit allows you to understand the life of Marcus Aurelius, whose golden bust, discovered in 1937, is shown in the exhibit. Length of the visit: 1h Price: 60.– per group + museum entrance, during temporary exhibitions.
The site: Splendour and grandeur! Two words expressing the feelings a vistor feels as he discovers the fascinating history of the first capital city of our country during his visit of the site. Length of the visit: 1h Prix: 60.– per group.
Museum and site: This visit lets you discover the frescoes and statues exhibited in the museum and invites you to explore the most imposing monuments and palaces. Length of the visit: 2h Price: 120.– per group + museum entrance, during temporary exhibitions. The site and baths: During the Roman period, the public baths played an essential social role. The urban landscape of Aventicum comprised several baths which can be visited. Length of the visit: 1h30 Price: 90.– per group.
Medieval Avenches: Situated on the hill, the medieval city is an architectural gem. It was enclosed by massive walls, protected by stone towers and entered through large gates. Much work was done to preserve this built heritage throughout the years. Length of the visit: 1h Price: 60.– per group.
Combine a visit of the museum or of the Roman site with a visit of the medieval town: Length of the visit: 2h Price: CHF 120.– per group + museum entrance, during temporary exhibitions.
Access and Contact
To visit the Museum: By train: From the railway station of Avenches, it’s a 10 minute walk: take the avenue Général Guisan and follow the avenue Jomini to the Museum. By car: From the motorway exit of avenches, follow the Route du faubourg, turn to the left at the Grande-Poya in direction of the Musée romain and Amphithéâtre. At the end of the road, turn to your left and follow the wall of the Amphitheatre till you reach the car park at the Place du Casino.
Musée romain d'Avenches
Avenue Jomini
1580 Avenches
T: +41 (0)26 557 33 00
musee.romain@vd.ch