A national historic site: In the early days of our era,
Avenches, the capital of Roman Helvetia, had
approximately 20'000 inhabitants.
Today, the town's Roman vestiges offer the visitor
many a fascinating glimpse of the town once called
Aventicum: the Roman amphitheatre, a superb setting
for many a breathtaking show, the theatre, the "Cigognier"
column, and the Eastern Gate and Tornallaz Tower.

The Roman Museum, housed in a mediaeval tower
built on the grounds of the amphitheatre, features
a precious collection of Gallo-Roman antiquities,
including the celebrated bust of Emperor Marcus Aurelius.

A cornucopia of cultural events
The impressive backdrop of the Roman amphitheatre
sets the stage for several highly reputed cultural events.
The Opera Festival, launched in 1995, has become
a renowned venue which attracts 50'000 enthusiastic
spectators each year, who come to delight in the outstanding
quality of the productions and the magic of a site that is
unique in Switzerland. There are other events that mark
the summer season:
"Rock Oz'Arènes", the smallest of major rock festivals,
featuring a different pick of outstanding popular musicians
each year, and a "Musical Parade" with foreign and
Swiss marching bands.

A country where the horse is king
An Equestrian Sports Centre, one of its kinds in Europe,
was set up in Avenches in 1999. On 142 hectares, the Centre
boasts a racecourse (gallop and trot), and a first rate infrastructure
for all equestrian activities: jumping, dressage, horse driving
and three-day events. Numerous races with betting and
competitions take place each week, making Avenches the
undisputed horse capital of Switzerland.