Promoted to the rank of a colony under the aegis of the Emperor, the Romanized city of Aventicum was the administrative center of the Helvetii and housed approximately 20,000 people. Its influence extended widely, from the far North to the South of the Alps. Traces of this prosperous and opulent era are still visible today, notably through the spectacular ruins of the Roman Site and the remarkable collection of the Roman Museum.
From its inception, Aventicum experienced impressive growth for nearly three centuries. At the height of its development, the city had almost 20,000 residents.
From this glorious period, many imposing buildings and remains survive, which can now be easily explored on foot or by bike during a walk of about an hour and a half, or during a guided tour offering a tailored experience.
The most priceless treasures of Aventicum are preserved within the Roman Museum. The golden bust of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, found in 1939 in the sewers of the city’s largest temple, and the enigmatic dodecahedron, the exact use of which remains a mystery to researchers, are among the most fascinating pieces exhibited in the museum’s medieval tower overlooking the arena.
