The Roman Villa

End of the 2nd-3rd century

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.

Special closure: The Abbey Church, the discovery tour and our reception will be closed on Tuesday 23 April 2024.