Petinesca, Celts and the Romans Tempels on Gumpboden

11 June 2026

Studen (Canton of Bern) lies at the foot of the Jäissberg, in the heart of the Berner Seeland. From the 2nd century BC to the 3rd century AD, Petinesca was the centre of the region. Initially a Celtic settlement, it became a Roman village (vicus) from 13 BC onwards. Thanks to the River Aare, the waterways could be utilised from here.

Petinesca, location of the Roman tempels near Studen

With its integration into the Roman road network, Petinesca developed into a major hub alongside Aventicum (Avenches), Brenodurum (Bern-Enge Peninsula) and Salodurum (Solothurn). In the 2nd century, it had a population of around 2,000! There was probably a bridge over the Aare, and there may also have been a Roman river port on the old course of the river.

Petinesca is a site of national importance, and today the remains of the ramparts and ditches of the Celtic settlement, the foundations of a large Roman temple complex on the Gumpboden, and the ruins of a 3rd-century gate tower are still visible. The Celtic burial ground at Studen lies at the eastern foot of the Jensberg. Fifty-two burials have been documented here.

The Gumpboden Temple Complex

The Roman temple complex on the Gumpboden comprised several temples and a multi-purpose building. The temple complex belonged to the Vicus Petinesca and served as a religious centre for the surrounding area.

The complex was built in the 1st century. The area, covering around 1.5 hectares, was enclosed by a wall. The six large temples are in the Gallo-Roman style.

(Source and further information: Archäologischer Dienst des Kantons Bern (ADB).