Long before the construction of the Abbey Church, the hill of the historical centre was occupied by a Roman villa, the Villa Paterniaca. The complex was built during the late 2nd or 3rd century by a family from Avenches, the Paterni, who gave their name to the city of Payerne. The buildings’ stones were likely used for the construction of the Abbey Church.
Site de l’Abbatiale de Payerne
Place du Marché 3
Case Postale 23
CH-1530 Payerne
January and February :
Tuesday to Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
March to June :
Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., as well as bank holidays
July and August :
Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
September and October :
Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., as well as bank holidays
November and December:
Tuesday to Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Red Pigs Festival (19–21 June): Special closing time of the Abbey Church and the discovery tour at 5:00 p.m.