The City of Avenches

31 January 2019

The city of Avenches was founded around 1259 by Jean de Cossonay (c. 1219-1273), bishop of Lausanne.

Avenches was the successor to the Roman city of Aventicum, the capital of the Helvetians, founded by Emperor Augustus and Emperor Vespasian in 70 A.D., and upgraded to Colonia.

The Alemanni destroyed the town in 270. The city was rebuilt and served as the seat of the bishopric for a short time in the 6th century.

The medieval town of Avenches was built on a hill. The city showcases its rich Roman heritage, with the remains of the amphitheatre and theatre.

The medieval and baroque centre remains intact, featuring the castle (14th century), the church (13th century), the old hospital (1720), L’Auberge de la Coronne (1711), and L’Hotel de Ville (1753).