Roman Amphitheatre
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Why go
- Enlarged to accommodate 16,000 spectators.
- A monumental Roman façade originally decorated with arcades, columns and a pediment-topped entrance.
- The medieval Bishop’s Tower, now home to the Roman museum of Avenches.
- Annual performances at Rock Oz’Arènes in August and Avenches Tattoo in September.
Opening hours
Today10:00 – 17:00Show all
Interesting facts5
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99 metres
Its first form measured 99 metres along its main axis and held 9,000 spectators on 24 tiers.
Amphithéâtre d'Avenches - Wikipedia -
An eastern triple gate led to the arena and lower seating; a ramp at the opposite end connected to the city.
Amphithéâtre d'Avenches - Wikipedia -
18 entrances
After enlargement, 18 entrances and stairways served the steeper seating area.
Amphithéâtre d'Avenches - Wikipedia -
A third of the monument’s original height has been lost.
Amphithéâtre d'Avenches - Wikipedia -
It is a Swiss cultural property of national importance.
Amphithéâtre d'Avenches - Wikipedia
Shorts
History
- Around 130 CEConstruction of the amphitheatre.
- Around 165 CEThe seating was enlarged under Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus; the arena remained unchanged.
- From the 6th centuryLimestone was quarried to make lime; parts of the structure later supported medieval buildings.
- 11th centuryThe Bishop’s Tower was built over the eastern seating above the monumental doorway.
- 1751A new road destroyed part of the façade wall.
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- Early 1990sRestoration was completed.
How to get there
- On footThe amphitheatre stands near the centre of modern Avenches, at Avenue Jomini Arênes d'Avenches, 1580.
Sources: Amphithéâtre d'Avenches - Wikipedia · checked 12 Oct 2026
- Phone
- +41 26 676 06 00
Questions and answers
How large was the original Roman Amphitheatre in Avenches?
It measured 99 metres along its main axis and held 9,000 spectators on 24 tiers.
How did the Roman Amphitheatre’s dimensions change?
The enlargement added 12 seating tiers and increased the main axis to 105 metres.
Was the arena enlarged too?
No. The seating area expanded, while the arena remained unchanged.
How did people enter the Roman Amphitheatre in Roman times?
An eastern triple gate served the arena and lower seating; a ramp at the opposite end connected to the city.
Why was the Roman Amphitheatre’s position significant?
It occupied a sacred hill west-southwest of ancient Aventicum’s densely settled area. Spectators could see the whole city, and the amphitheatre was visible throughout Aventicum.
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