Roman history in Augst

Augusta Raurica Roman Ruins & Museum

Step back in time at Switzerland's ancient archaeological park in Augst.

HistoryArchitectureLocal heritage

Explore one of Switzerland's most significant Roman sites, featuring the best-preserved ancient theatre north of the Alps, an accessible Roman sewer, and an archaeological museum. Visitors can walk the historical ruins, visit a recreated Roman house, or try the family-friendly gladiator trail.

An ancient Roman site in Switzerland featuring a remarkably preserved theatre, an authentic Roman house, an archaeological museum, and interactive trails.

The Ancient Roman Legacy of Augusta Raurica

Situated in Augst, Augusta Raurica is one of the most important Roman archaeological sites in Switzerland. This dynamic open-air museum features an exceptionally well-preserved ancient theatre, a reconstructed Roman house, and an archaeological museum housing historical artifacts. Visitors can explore a vast landscape of ruins and interactive trails that bring the ancient Roman world to life.

Exterior view of the Augusta Raurica museum building with a classical column in the foreground and autumn trees.

Augusta Raurica opening hours in Basel

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for Augusta Raurica. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Basel.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

10:00-15:00

See museum opening hours

Admission and Ticket Information for Augusta Raurica

Augusta Raurica offers a variety of admission options to explore its extensive Roman archaeological site. Visitors can access the open-air site, protected monuments, and animal park free of charge. Paid tickets are required for the museum and the reconstructed Roman house, with reduced rates available for children, students, AHV recipients, and groups of more than ten people.

Adults

CHF 8.00

From 18 years Includes Museum Augusta Raurica and Roman house

Children and youth

CHF 6.00

Ages 6 to 17 Includes Museum Augusta Raurica and Roman house

Students

CHF 6.00

School children, students up to 26 years Includes Museum Augusta Raurica and Roman house

See museum tickets and prices

Visitor amenities at Augusta Raurica

Augusta Raurica provides essential facilities to ensure a comfortable visit to the archaeological site. Guests have access to convenient cloakroom storage and on-site visitor toilets during their stay.

Cloakroom

Available

Toilets

Available

See all museum amenities

Family visits to Augusta Raurica

Families can explore the extensive grounds of Augusta Raurica, which feature over twenty Roman monuments and an animal park showcasing historic livestock breeds. The site offers a hands-on experience through its reconstructed Roman house, where children can engage with daily life objects. Dedicated guided tours are available for children aged six and up to further their discovery.

Recommended age: Ages 6+

Families can explore an extensive open-air archaeological site, a reconstructed Roman house, and an animal park with Roman-era livestock breeds.

Why families will enjoy it

Access to more than twenty Roman monuments across the open-air site.
Hands-on Roman house reconstruction with touchable household objects.
Animal park featuring historic livestock breeds.
Free access to the open-air site, monuments, and animal park.

Activities and resources for children

Family tour

Guided family tour of the Roman house

Ages 6+60–60 minPaidBooking required

A 60-minute interactive tour for children aged 6 and up focusing on Roman daily life.

Plan a family visit

Museum Pass Access at Augusta Raurica

Visitors to Augusta Raurica can enhance their exploration of this extensive Roman archaeological site by utilizing accepted museum passes. Specific passes allow for admission to the collections and exhibitions, providing a flexible way to experience the ancient theatre, reconstructed house, and monuments located near Basel.

Museums-PASS-Musées

Tri-national access to hundreds of museums, castles, and historic gardens.

Unlock admission to an extensive network of cultural institutions located in Basel and beyond. This annual pass is designed for those looking to explore art, history, and heritage across borders.

Accepted here4 pass options

From €119

Compare museum passes

Augusta Raurica Location and Orientation

Located on Sichelenstrasse in Augst, within the Basel-Landschaft region, Augusta Raurica lies just a short distance from Basel. This expansive archaeological site features a remarkably preserved ancient theater, a museum, and a reconstructed Roman house spread across an outdoor landscape. Its accessible location makes it a straightforward destination for historical exploration.

See museum location and map

Planning Your Visit to Augusta Raurica

Planning a visit to Augusta Raurica in Augst requires preparation for both indoor and outdoor exploration. Visitors should allocate ample time to experience the expansive open-air landscape, which includes an ancient theatre and a reconstructed Roman house. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended when exploring the various monuments spread across this archaeological site.

See how to visit the museum

Exploring the Roman Heritage of Augusta Raurica

Augusta Raurica in Augst offers a deep immersion into ancient history as one of Switzerland's most significant Roman archaeological sites. Visitors can wander through an expansive open-air park that seamlessly connects a grand ancient theatre with a fully reconstructed Roman house. The on-site museum houses fascinating archaeological collections, while interactive trails like the gladiator path engage younger audiences. Exploring the longest accessible Roman sewer and viewing historic artifacts provide a unique window into daily life from two thousand years ago.

Aerial view of the Roman amphitheater ruins at Augusta Raurica surrounded by green lawns and trees

Top exhibition picks at Augusta Raurica

Curated museum program highlights and what to see now in Basel

Discover high-interest exhibitions at Augusta Raurica, selected to help you prioritize your route, compare show themes, and plan a more rewarding museum visit in Basel.

The Perfect Dinner Exhibition at Augusta Raurica

Discover Roman table culture and archaeological findings from 39 AD.

Investigate a high-profile Roman banquet through archaeological remnants left behind in ancient rubbish pits. Learn how Augusta Raurica researchers piece together historical clues about ancient consumption patterns and power dynamics.

The Perfect Dinner Exhibition

Open full Augusta Raurica exhibitions page

The History of Augusta Raurica

The Roman settlement of Augusta Raurica, located near Basel, was founded around 44 BC by Lucius Munatius Plancus. After expanding under Emperor Augustus, the city was destroyed around 260 AD following a massive earthquake. The territory was partitioned in 1442, though formal documentation of the ruins began in 1588. This *highly significant archaeological site* remains famous for historical discoveries, including the Kaiseraugst silver treasure unearthed in 1961.

Foundation by Lucius Munatius Plancus
-44Founding
Colonia Augusta Rauracorum was founded by Lucius Munatius Plancus around 44 BC. While the exact location of this initial settlement remains a subject of debate among historians, it serves as the historical inception point of the site.
Establishment following Alpine conquest
-15--6Founding
Successful colonization of the site was solidified after Augustus' conquest of the central Alps around 15 BC. Archaeological evidence using dendrochronology dates the oldest confirmed finds at the location to 6 BC.
Destruction of the city
260Milestone
Following a major earthquake in 250 AD, the city was destroyed around 260 AD by Alemanni tribes and/or marauding Roman troops, leading to the construction of a smaller fortress known as Castrum Rauracense.
Administrative division of 1442
1442Ownership
The communities of Augst and Kaiseraugst were officially divided in 1442 along the Ergolz and Violenbach rivers. This split partitioned the historic site between the influence of Basel and Habsburg territories.
Documenting the rediscovery
1588Other
In 1588, Basilius Amerbach began documenting the rediscovery of the Roman settlement, aided by the painter Hans Bock. This early work laid the foundation for future archaeological study of the ruins.
Discovery of the silver treasure
1961-1962Collection
The silver treasure of Kaiseraugst, the most significant archaeological find at the site, was unearthed within the late Roman fortress between 1961 and 1962. It is currently housed in the Roman Museum.

Latest museum updates from Augusta Raurica

Recent announcements, stories, and institutional updates in Basel

Read the newest updates from Augusta Raurica, including exhibition announcements, program changes, and cultural stories that add context before your visit in Basel.

Jun 30, 2026

Experience the new interactive Gladiator trail at Augusta Raurica

Discover life in the Roman arena with the new self-guided Gladiator trail at Augusta Raurica. This engaging obstacle course leads visitors through the archaeological site, featuring seven interactive stations where you can test your strength and agility using your smartphone.

ExperienceInteractiveFamily-FriendlyArchaeology

Read article

Jun 16, 2026

Summer Theatre Season 2026 at Augusta Raurica

Discover the 2026 summer program at the Roman Theatre of Augusta Raurica, featuring a unique blend of live rock concerts, electronic music festivals, and living history events. From July through August, the ancient site hosts international artists and the legendary Roman Festival.

EventsTheatreFestivalsMusic

Read article

Jun 8, 2026

Annual Report 2025: Augusta Raurica Highlights

Augusta Raurica has released its annual report for 2025, detailing the latest milestones in archaeological research, intercantonal partnerships, and cultural programming. This summary provides insight into the strategic advancements and key projects that shaped the development of the Roman city throughout the year. The full document is now accessible for those interested in the ongoing preservation and management of this major heritage site.

Annual ReportResearchHeritage

Read article

Open full Augusta Raurica news page

Unriddling the Ruins: Augusta Raurica FAQs

The ancient Romans left behind an incredible archaeological site near Basel, but they unfortunately forgot to list their phone number. While some visiting details for Augusta Raurica remain a classic historic mystery, we do know they plan a few modern breaks, including scheduled all-day closures on August 28 and 31, 2026.

How do I contact Augusta Raurica?

Direct contact options for Augusta Raurica, such as a general inquiry form or active social media channels, are not currently specified in our database. Please consult the official website for support.

Does Augusta Raurica have an official email address?

An official email address for Augusta Raurica is not listed in our database at this time.

What is the Augusta Raurica phone number?

An official public phone number for Augusta Raurica is not currently provided in our contact records.

How do you get to Augusta Raurica using public transport?

Information about arriving at Augusta Raurica by public transport is currently not specified.

See museum FAQ answers

Planning Your Visit to Augusta Raurica

When planning a visit to Augusta Raurica near Basel, it is helpful to prepare for a mix of indoor and outdoor exploration. The extensive archaeological site features an open-air landscape of ruins, including an ancient theatre and monuments, alongside indoor spaces like the museum and a reconstructed Roman house. Visitors should expect to walk between the various outdoor highlights and workshops, making comfortable footwear highly practical. Dressing appropriately for the weather will ensure a comfortable experience while discovering these historic grounds.

Planning Your Visit: Is Augusta Raurica Right for You?

Augusta Raurica in Augst offers an expansive open-air experience that is highly suited for history enthusiasts, students, and travelers interested in Roman architecture and local heritage. The archaeological park's interactive features, including outdoor ruins and an ancient gladiator training trail, make it an engaging destination for families with children. Group visitors will find plenty to explore across the vast site, which features a reconstructed Roman house, an ancient theatre, and an on-site museum. The combination of educational displays and outdoor exploration makes this site an excellent fit for those who enjoy active learning and scenic, historical walks.

Visual Preview of Augusta Raurica

Preview the ancient wonders of Augusta Raurica near Basel through these striking gallery highlights. Images capture the sweeping aerial views of the Roman theater's semicircular stone seating, alongside museum exhibits showcasing intricate silver treasures. Visualizations also reveal weathered stone ruins and classical facades, offering a preview of this extensive archaeological park.

Historical map of the Rhine frontier of the Roman Empire in the 4th century AD showing Roman provinces, cities, forts, and roads, with Augusta Raurica marked near Basel

Roman stone funerary stele relief depicting a horseman riding over a fallen figure with Latin inscriptions carved below, displayed outdoors at the Augusta Raurica lapidarium.

Stepped brick ruins with a sloping concrete ramp at an outdoor Roman archaeological site, surrounded by green trees and sandy ground.

Museum display case with the Silver Treasure of Augusta Raurica, featuring large silver plates, bowls, and cups on shelves against a maroon background.

Gilded statue of a Roman soldier in armor with red cape holding a golden staff, standing on a pedestal inscribed with 1580

Large stone block wall ruins at Augusta Raurica archaeological site with construction crane overhead and paved pathway alongside

Ancient Roman stone ruins with layered brick walls and a wooden fence railing, surrounded by green trees under a blue sky

Curved ancient stone foundation wall of a Roman temple ruin with an information plaque in front, surrounded by grass and bare trees at Augusta Raurica.

See museum photos gallery

Basel

Find Museums in Basel to Match Your Cultural Interests

Locate prestigious art institutions and heritage sites easily.

Streamline your search for cultural landmarks in Basel. Identify historical archives, fine art hubs, and scientific collections tailored to your specific curiosity. Access essential details for every venue to coordinate your upcoming visit.

Find Basel Museums

Explore Augusta Raurica with Basel

Guides, visitor info, and museum details in Basel

Find everything about Augusta Raurica in one place, including tickets, opening hours, current exhibitions, location details, visitor tips, nearby attractions, and the latest museum updates. Use these pages to plan your visit, discover what to see, and get practical information before you go.

Discover nearby museums similar to Augusta Raurica in Basel and plan your next cultural stop with confidence.

These recommendations prioritize real proximity to Augusta Raurica and help you find high-fit alternatives faster across Basel.

Use this curated list to compare museums near Augusta Raurica without opening multiple search pages. Each card gives you fast visual context and direct access to key details so you can decide quickly. If you are building a full day in Basel, this section helps you chain nearby visits with less planning effort.