Roman Theatre Of Augusta Raurica

The Roman Theatre of Augusta Raurica is the largest and best-known ancient monument in the archaeological park at Augst, near Basel, on the Rhine. It stands on a gentle slope on the edge of the Roman town, with its stone seating curving around a semicircular stage area, and it is the monument that most people photograph first. The theatre was begun in the 1st century AD, soon after the foundation of the colony, and over the following centuries it was rebuilt and enlarged several times. At its largest it could seat thousands of spectators, making it one of the biggest Roman theatres north of the Alps and in Switzerland and a sign of how wealthy the settlement was, and a highlight among Switzerland’s Roman remains.

Roman theatres were used for more than plays. Performances of comedy and tragedy, music and mime took place here, but so did religious festivals, public announcements and gatherings that formed part of civic life. The shape of the building follows a standard Roman design: tiers of seats in a half circle, known as the cavea, with entrances and passages beneath, an orchestra area in front and a raised stage with a decorated backdrop. At Augusta Raurica, the seating rises up the hillside, and from the top rows you get a good view of the whole park and the surrounding countryside. Beside the theatre on a small hill stands the Schönbühl temple, whose foundations show that religion and entertainment were close neighbours in Roman towns.

The surviving structure is the result of excavation and careful restoration in the 20th century, and the stone benches, passages and walls have been consolidated so that visitors can walk through them. Information panels explain the phases of construction and how the building was used, and the site feels more intimate than the scale suggests. In the park, the theatre stands among many other monuments, including the forum and basilica, the baths, the amphitheatre and a reconstructed Roman house, so it is easy to spend a day.

The theatre is also used today. Performances and concerts take place here in summer, and the annual Roman Festival, held in late summer, brings reenactors, craftspeople, soldiers, gladiator displays and food stalls to the site, and draws large crowds. Dates and programmes change, so check the Augusta Raurica website before planning a visit. Outside events, the open-air site can usually be visited without a ticket, while museums and buildings have their own hours.

The theatre suits history and archaeology lovers, families with children who like to climb, and school groups. Wear sturdy shoes, as the steps are uneven, and bring sun protection in summer, since there is little shade on the benches. For many visitors it is the highlight of Augusta Raurica and a good first stop before exploring the rest of the park.