This easy and accessible walk invites you to discover the grandeur of the ancient city of Aventicum, once the capital of Roman Helvetia.
Starting from the center of the picturesque medieval village of Avenches, adorned with flowered terraces in the summer and ranked among the most beautiful villages in Switzerland, the walk leads to the impressive ruins of monuments that contributed to the city's prominence two thousand years ago in the Alps.
The journey begins in the heart of the medieval borough of Avenches, a gem of medieval architecture, and takes hikers to the grand Amphitheater. Originally, it could accommodate up to 16,000 spectators who came to watch gladiator fights, exotic animal hunts, and entertainment shows.
Near the modern city, the majestic remnants of ancient buildings still testify to the flourishing era of Aventicum, now buried under lush greenery. The Cigognier Sanctuary, the Roman Theater, and the Baths provide a glimpse into the opulent past of the former capital of the Helvetii.
From the East Gate and the Tornallaz Tower, at the edge of the ancient city surrounded by a still partially visible wall, a spectacular 360-degree panorama over the Roman site, the medieval town of Avenches, Lake Morat, and the Vully vineyards unveils the unmatched beauty of the capital of Roman Helvetia in its natural setting.
At the end of the walk, a visit to the Roman Museum is a must. It offers insights into numerous cult objects and everyday life in Aventicum. The objects in the museum's collection, found during archaeological digs on site, are sometimes of invaluable worth due to their rarity, like the famous gold bust of Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
The walk can also be undertaken by bicycle.
Stereoscopes and an app reconstruct the grandeur of the ancient monuments.
Properties of the itinerarie
Type of activity: Museum Tour
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 01:30
Distance: 6 km
Ascent/Descent: +122m / -130m
Altitude min./max.: 447m / 520m
