This easy, accessible hike lets everyone discover the grandeur of Roman Helvetica’s ancient city of Aventicum, through its vestiges.
This easy hike, accessible to all, allows you to discover the grandeur of the ancient city of Aventicum, capital of Roman Helvetia. Starting from the Roman Museum in Avenches, visit the remains of the imposing monuments that, 2,000 years ago, contributed to the influence of the ancient town from north to south of the Alps.
The tour begins at the Roman Museum of Avenches. The visit gives an insight into the many objects of worship and daily life in Aventicum, whose secrets are revealed by 3D images. The objects in the museum's collection were found in situ during archaeological excavations, and some are priceless due to their rarity, such as the famous gold bust of the emperor Marcus Aurelius.
The amphitheatre is a must-see in the city centre. It could accommodate up to 16,000 spectators, who came to watch gladiator fights, exotic animal hunts and entertainment shows. The Avenches arena has been the venue for music festivals for many summer seasons. Today, a major renovation project starting in 2022 will once again make the amphitheatre a major venue for events.
On the outskirts of the modern town, the majestic remains of ancient monuments still bear witness to the flourishing days of Aventicum, a city that today lies buried beneath a lush green landscape. The Cigognier sanctuary, the Roman theatre and the thermal baths give you a glimpse of the sumptuous past of the ancient capital of the Helvetii.
From the Porte de l'Est and the Tornallaz tower, on the edge of the ancient town surrounded by a wall that is still partially visible, an exceptional 360° panorama of the Roman site, the medieval town of Avenches, Lake Morat and the Vully vineyards reveals the incomparable beauty of the capital of Roman Helvetia in its green setting.
The brochure "The Roman site of Aventicum - historical walk" accompanies your tour
This tour can also be done by bike.
Stereoscopes and an application recreate the grandeur of the monuments.
