Musée romain d'Avenches

The Roman Museum presents the vestiges of Aventicum, the Roman capital of the Helvets.

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.

Practical informations

Guided tours on request to Avenches Tourism

Open on Easter Monday and Pentecost
Closed on December 25, 26 and 31 and January 1st and 2nd

The museum remains open during the renovation of the amphitheatre.

Name	Musée romain d'Avenches
Location	Avenches
Phone	+41 26 557 33 00
E-mail	musee.romain@vd.ch
Website	http://www.aventicum.org
Accessibility	More information

Medias

© Avenches Tourisme / Marc-André Guex

© SMRA - Paul Lutz

Charlotte Walker

Avenches Tourisme Culture and Heritage