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Augusta Raurica Roman Site II

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Augusta Raurica Roman Site II (Switzerland)

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Augusta Raurica, located near modern-day Basel, stands as the oldest Roman colony on the Rhine and serves as one of Switzerland's most significant archaeological landmarks. Founded around 44 BC by Lucius Munatius Plancus, the city grew into a major commercial hub, reaching a peak population of nearly 20,000 residents by the 2nd century AD. The expansive site features remarkably preserved monuments, including an ancient theater that once seated 10,000 people, as well as the remains of the forum, various temples, and public baths. A major highlight for visitors is the Roman Museum, home to the famed Kaiseraugst silver hoard, one of the largest late-Roman silver finds in history, discovered in 1961. The site provides immersive experiences, such as reconstructed Roman dwellings and accessible ancient sewer tunnels that showcase Roman engineering. Beyond its role as an open-air museum, Augusta Raurica remains a vital research center dedicated to uncovering the social and architectural history of the Roman province of Germania Superior.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C004913171918141040
Rain mm7560747511810510711079947787

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The ruins of Augusta Raurica are partly accessible freely, while buildings like the theatre can be visited on a guided tour. A museum on site displays artefacts.
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Typical hours
The outdoor area is accessible year-round, while museum and indoor hours vary by season. In summer the site is usually open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Photography
Photography is allowed at any time in the outdoor area. Inside the museum, flash may be prohibited to protect delicate artefacts.
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Time needed
Allow at least two hours for a walk around the site and the museum. With a thorough guided tour you can easily spend half a day.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby town of Augst and the Roman Town Museum. The site is easily reachable from Basel by public transport.
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Getting there
The site is about 15 km east of Basel and reachable by train to Kaiseraugst station, followed by a ten-minute walk. Parking is available.
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Insider tip
Take time for the restored Roman theatre - it is one of the best-preserved in Switzerland. Entry to the outdoor area is free, only the museum and guided tours charge a fee.

Geography

Coordinates
47.53330, 7.72220

Facts

  • The colony was officially founded in 44 BC as a strategic outpost on the Rhine.
  • The ancient theater is the best-preserved Roman structure of its kind in Switzerland.
  • The Kaiseraugst silver treasure includes 250 items, weighing over 58 kilograms in total.
  • Archaeologists have identified more than 20 major public buildings within the city limits.
  • The city's peak prosperity occurred during the Pax Romana in the 2nd century AD.
  • The site hosts an annual Roman Festival, attracting thousands of visitors every August.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Augusta RauricaAugusta Raurica<1 km · NExplore →
PrattelnPratteln3 km · SWExplore →
LiestalLiestal6 km · SExplore →
RheinfeldenRheinfelden6 km · NEExplore →
MuttenzMuttenz6 km · WExplore →
Port of BirsfeldenPort of Birsfelden8 km · WExplore →
RiehenRiehen8 km · NWExplore →
Dorneck Castle RuinsDorneck Castle Ruins9 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Augusta Raurica Roman Site II (10)

Theater Augusta Raurica

Ancient Roman theatre in Augst, Switzerland.

Taberna

Archaeological site of a Roman tavern in Augusta Raurica.

Augusta Raurica

Archaeological site and former Roman colony town on the Rhine near Augst, Basel-Land.

Museum Augusta Raurica🏛 museum

Archaeological museum collection in Augst, canton of Basel-Landschaft.

♿

Forum und Forumtempel

Archaeological site of the Roman forum with temple in Augusta Raurica.

Tempelstützmauer & Backstube

Archaeological site with retaining wall and Roman bakery.

Temple on Schönbühl hill

Roman temple on Schönbühl hill in Augusta Raurica.

roman walls

Ruins of Roman walls in Augusta Raurica.

roman bickworks

Ruins of a Roman brickworks in Augusta Raurica.

St. Gallus + Othmar

Church building in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Augusta Raurica?
It is a former Roman city and today a significant archaeological site.
What is the highlight of the site?
The ancient theater and the Roman Museum with the largest silver treasure from late antiquity.
Where is Augusta Raurica located?
Near Basel, in the municipalities of Augst and Kaiseraugst.
Are there animals there?
Yes, there is an animal park with ancient domestic animal breeds from Roman times.
Is the site freely accessible?
The outdoor grounds with the theater are freely accessible, while the museum charges admission.
Augusta Raurica Roman Site II: where is it located?
Augusta Raurica Roman Site II is located in Switzerland.
Augusta Raurica Roman Site II: what is there to see?
Highlights include Theater Augusta Raurica, Taberna, Augusta Raurica.
Augusta Raurica Roman Site II: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Augusta Raurica Roman Site II: why is it worth visiting?
Augusta Raurica, located near modern-day Basel, stands as the oldest Roman colony on the Rhine and serves as one of Switzerland's most significant archaeological landmarks.
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