Cigognier Sanctuary, Avenches, Switzerland

The building of the Cigognier, the largest sanctuary on the site (35m x 17m) began in the year 98 AD. Analysis of the wooden stakes beneath the building's foundations allowed this date to be established. The plans, technology and materials used are inspired by Rome. It was a rectangular building with a courtyard framed with porticos. Only the priests had access to the room that contained the worshipped statue. The faithful gathered in the courtyard, where processions also took place. This division of spaces demonstrates the hierarchical organisation of society at that time.

The discovery, in 1939, of a gold bust of Marcus Aurelius in one of the sanctuary's pipes, suggests that this portrait of the emperor was used as an image of worship. This magnificent object, composed of a single gold leaf of over 1.5 kg and dating from the 2nd century, is now preserved at the city's Roman Museum.

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User Reviews

Cristel castella (3 years ago)
Wonderful place for a stroll.

Sarah Sellé (4 years ago)
The site of Avenches is magnificent it is our little paradise

瑞云天 (4 years ago)
Impressive. You can imagine the real size the original building.

Swiss Vlogger (5 years ago)
No Toilet and no tea stalls otherwise place was okay

Alejandro Montiel (7 years ago)
If you are walking from the train station in Avenches, it will take you about half an hour to reach these ruins. They date from the 1st century A.D. and what still stands there is very well preserved. It is also very close to the Temple so make sure to visit it because these are nice historic places that remind us that the Romans also settled in what is today known as Switzerland.

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