Augusta Raurica
Sourced from Wikivoyage. Text is available under the CC-by-SA 3.0 license.
Augusta Raurica is probably the best preserved Roman city North of the Alps. It is nestled inside the greater Basel urban area, in Switzerland and has been transformed into an open-air museum. In summer each year it houses Römerfest (the Roman festival), an educational and entertainment event which can be fun both for kids and grown-ups. It is located next (and partially within) the towns of Augst and Kaiseraugst.
Understand
Its extraordinary state of preservation is because, unlike most other town sites, once the Romans abandoned this site, no others built upon it - neither in the "Dark Ages", nor subsequently.
Get in
The nearby village of Kaiseraugst, which takes its name from the site, has a train station. Take S1 from Basel. The museum and the main sights are around 15 minutes walk away from the railway station.
Get around
The whole site is rather compact, so it is convenient to get around on foot.
See
Roman TheaterA well-preserved theatre, the house for some activities of the Römerfest.
-
Roman Amphitheater
phone: +41 61 552 50 67
Augusta Raurica MuseumAn informative exhibition based on the local archaeological findings from the Ancient Roman period, which are plenty. Wheelchair accessible with assistance.
HypocaustAn excavated system of underfloor heating of a luxurious Roman house.
Do
Roman festivalThe largest Roman festival in Switzerland. Takes place during the lest weekend of August.
Eat
-
phone: +41 61 811 26 31address: Dorfstrasse 32, KaiseraugstMostly meat-based dishes.
Sleep
There are only a few options nearby in Augst or Kaiseraugst, so it might be worth to consider a day trip from Basel instead.
-
Cedro Römerhof
phone: +41 61 811 17 67address: Giebenacherstrasse 31, AugstSimple Hotel near the archaeological site.