The roman colonial city of Augusta Raurica was a flourishing commercial metropolis. With the Erleb-AR app it is now possible to behold the grandstand of the third theatre, as did the antique romans, or to saunter between the pillars of the temple on the Schönbühl hill.
Standing on Schönbühl hill you are in the midst of a religious district. It existed from the early days of the town. Around AD 50 several small temples stood here. The buildings were typical of Gallo-Roman architecture in this region.
Around AD 70 the terrain was completely reorganised. At the centre a massive temple surrounded by columns was erected on a podium. Its remains are still visible today. The emperor and the Roman state gods were probably worshipped at this temple, which acted as a symbol of the power of the Roman empire.
In the late 3rd century the temple became a ‘stone quarry’: parts of it were removed and reused elsewhere. That is why only the core of the temple podium has survived. The recesses on the sides show where the columns used to be.
You can get more information about this temple and all other sights in the AUGUSTA RAURICA museum.
The distinctive theatre in the former town centre was last used as a playhouse and a venue for religious festivals and political meetings. Before that it had been altered several times. From AD 200 onwards there were two different theatres in the town: the playhouse in the centre and the amphitheatre on the south-western edge of the town. The theatre that survives today was the third building to be erected in this location and had a capacity to hold c. 10,000 spectators.
Before that it had been altered several times. From AD 200 onwards there were two different theatres in the town: the playhouse in the centre and the amphitheatre on the south-western edge of the town. The theatre that survives today was the third building to be erected in this location and had a capacity to hold c. 10,000 spectators.
The playhouse at Augusta Raurica is the best-preserved ancient theatre of its kind north of the Alps. Large parts of it were uncovered as far back as 150 years ago. Over the past 100 years the ruins underwent several restoration projects. In the 1990s it became apparent once again that the walls were in a particularly dilapidated state. This prompted an elaborate renovation project. Today the playhouse is at its best and it acts as an impressive backdrop for numerous events. Of course, you can also just visit and explore it at any time.
You can get more information about this theatre and all other sights in the AUGUSTA RAURICA museum.
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