Augusta Raurica

Augusta Raurica is a Roman colony in Switzerland with excavated structures including an amphitheater, temples, a market square, and residential buildings. The site features a museum displaying pottery, coins, tools, and other objects found during ongoing archaeological work.

The city was founded around 44 BC and grew into a prosperous settlement with thousands of residents. In 260 AD it was destroyed and never rebuilt, leaving the ruins we see today.

The name "Augusta" reflects the era of Emperor Augustus, during whose reign the city was founded. You can see in the museum how Roman families organized their homes and daily routines through reconstructed rooms and household objects.

The outdoor site is easiest to explore during warm months, with marked paths connecting the main ruins. The on-site museum provides context for what you see and helps you understand the layout of the ancient settlement.

A famous hoard of silver coins and objects was buried under a house wall and discovered in 1961, offering clues about how residents protected their valuables as danger approached. This discovery reveals the moment when the city's inhabitants realized they might need to flee.

Location: Augst

Inception: 44 BCE

Elevation above the sea: 286 m

Part of: list of cultural properties in Augst

Website: https://augustaraurica.ch

GPS coordinates: 47.53283,7.72183

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01