Augst — Swiss municipality and site of the Roman city Augusta Raurica

Historical overview

The site of modern Augst is famous because it was the location of the Roman town known as Augusta Raurica. Established as a Roman colony in the late 1st century BCE, Augusta Raurica became a regional center for trade, crafts and administration on the Roman frontier. Like many Roman towns, it flourished for several centuries before decline in late antiquity, leaving behind substantial ruins that preserve its urban layout and public buildings.

Archaeological remains and museum

Augusta Raurica is one of the most important Roman archaeological sites in Switzerland. Excavations have revealed a theatre, an amphitheatre, parts of a forum, residential quarters and workshops. Many of the finds are displayed in a local museum and in situ excavations can be visited in an archaeological park. These remains illustrate urban life, commerce and craft production in the Roman provinces.

Modern Augst and visitor information

Today Augst is a small, primarily residential community that also serves visitors drawn to its Roman heritage. The archaeological park and museum host exhibitions, guided tours and seasonal events that bring the ancient site to life for tourists and scholars alike. The municipal area remains compact, and local facilities support heritage tourism while preserving the archaeological landscape.

Notable features

• Large open-air archaeological park with visible ruins of public buildings and streets.
• A museum displaying artefacts recovered from excavations and interpretive displays.
• Reconstructed elements and an amphitheatre used for occasional cultural events.
• Ongoing archaeological research that continues to refine the understanding of Roman urbanism in this region.

Augst’s value lies both in its continuity as a living municipality and in the exceptional preservation of its Roman past. For anyone studying Roman provincial towns or exploring Swiss cultural heritage, Augst and the remains of Augusta Raurica offer an accessible and informative destination.