Logo

Roman Villa of Boscéaz

The Roman villa of Boscéaz, located near Orbe in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland, is the largest known rural estate from the Roman era in Switzerland, built around 170 AD and covering 16 hectares. Nine Roman mosaics, discovered in the 19th and 20th centuries, are the only currently visible remains of this important establishment and form the finest ensemble of Roman mosaics known north of the Alps. Preserved in their original location under several pavilions, they display a great variety of decorations including mythology and geometric compositions. A reception pavilion presents an exhibition with a model of the residential part and a multimedia animation.

Families and Kids

Children can discover the Roman mosaics with a dedicated children's guide and take part in mosaic workshops. Children under 12 years enter free of charge.

Information

  • Visit duration: 60min
  • For rainy days: Yes
  • Free entrance: No
  • Price range: $
  • Topic: History
    • Guided tours: Yes
    • Workshops: Yes
    • Children experience: Child friendly
    • Children age group: 6-12, 12-18
    • Children activities: Workshops, Tours and demonstrations

Opening hours

Open from 10:00 to 18:00. From May 1 to June 30 and from October 5 to November 1, open on Saturdays and Sundays; from July 1 to October 4, open Wednesday to Sunday. Closed during winter; visits possible by prior reservation.
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
10:00-18:00 (July 1 to October 4)
Thursday
10:00-18:00 (July 1 to October 4)
Friday
10:00-18:00 (July 1 to October 4)
Saturday
10:00-18:00 (May 1 to June 30)
10:00-18:00 (July 1 to October 4)
Sunday
10:00-18:00 (May 1 to June 30)
10:00-18:00 (July 1 to October 4)

Admission fees

10 CHF
Adult admission
8 CHF
AVS/AI, apprentice, student, young person (12-18 years)
25 CHF
Family (2 adults, from 1 young person)
15 CHF
Single-parent family (from 1 young person)
0 CHF
Child under 12 years
8 CHF
Groups (from 10 people), adults per person
6 CHF
Groups (from 10 people), AVS/AI, apprentice, student, young person (12-18) per person
4 CHF
School group per pupil

Contact

Webpage
pro-urba.ch
Email
villa.romaine@pro-urba.ch
Address
Orbe

Access

Nearby stops

  • Orbe, Les Mosaïques900 meters walking distance
  • Orbe, Montchoisi1500 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Neuchâtel
49m
Lausanne
1h 0m
Genève
1h 37m
Bern
1h 46m
Martigny
2h 3m

FAQ

  • Are guided tours available at the Roman villa of Boscéaz?
    Yes, guided tours are available on prior request and are given in French, German, Italian or English. A guided visit lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, while a self-guided visit lasts about 1 hour.
  • Is the site open during winter?
    No, the site is closed to the public during winter because the premises are not heated and the toilets are not functional. However, visits with or without a guide can be arranged by prior reservation.
  • Can I visit the villa outside the regular opening hours?
    Yes, visits without a guide outside opening hours are possible for groups of up to 30 people for a site-opening fee plus the entrance price per person. Guided tours outside opening hours are also available.
  • Are there activities for children at the villa?
    Yes, the site offers activities for children, including a children's guide to the mosaics and mosaic workshops. Children under 12 years enter free of charge.

Included in