Orbe roman mosaics
The finest set of Roman mosaics north of the Alps discovered near the town of Orbe, at Boscéaz with its panoramic views.
Heatwave: To protect the site, access to the mosaics is restricted during periods of high temperatures. When temperatures reach 35° or above, the site is only open from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm. Opening times are confirmed the day before. To ensure your visit goes ahead, please check the website www.pro-urba.ch/acces-a-la-villa-romaine/ or contact the site directly by email or telephone.
Discovered in the mid-19th century north of the town of Orbe in the Northern Vaud region, the mosaics used to adorn the most important rooms in the villa. Made of naturally coloured stones, they depict gods, trompe l’œil geometric shapes or figurative scenes of Greek mythology, such as the famous labyrinth of Theseus and the Minotaur.
Although it is still not known who owned the villa, the luxurious decoration of this huge dwelling (230 m by 90-110 m) would suggest that he was very wealthy and enjoyed a luxurious life style.
Between 1986 and 2004, the Boscéaz site was an educational site for archaeology students at Lausanne University. These digs led to the discovery of a 9th mosaic, a mithraeum (place of worship dedicated to the god Mithra) and a spa.
Practical informations
Guided tours are available in French, German or English on request. To organise a group visit on request (with or without a guide): Intendant of the Roman mosaics, Mr Sylvain Gailloud: 079/308.76.68 - villa.romaine@pro-urba.ch
Opening times :
- Open on bank holidays
- Outside opening days by prior arrangement
- During the winter, the site is closed to the public as the premises are not heated and the toilets are not operational during this period. Visits, with or without a guide, are nevertheless possible by prior arrangement.
Free admission:
- Children under 12
- Raiffeisen card
- Museum Passport
- Member of the Association of Friends of Pro Urba
| Mosaïques romaines | |
| Orbe | |
| +41 79 308 76 68 | |
| villa.romaine@pro-urba.ch | |
| https://pro-urba.ch | |
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Medias
Access
Times and rates
Opening hours
From 05 October 2026 to 01 November 2026
| 10:00 - 18:00 |
Rates
Individual
| Adult | 10.00 CHF |
| Child/Student/Senior | 8.00 CHF |
| Family | 25.00 CHF |
| One-parent family | 15.00 CHF |
Guided tour
| Guide/during opening hours | 85.00 CHF |
| Guide/outside opening hours | 115.00 CHF |
Groups (from 10 people)
| Adult | 8.00 CHF |
| Child/Student/Senior | 6.00 CHF |
| School group / pupil | 4.00 CHF |
| Visit outside opening hours | 55.00 CHF |
Yverdon-les-Bains Région
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