Gladiators, Legionnaires and Myths. Nyon’s Roman Days Are Bringing the City’s Past Back to Life

It is easy to forget when walking through Nyon that beneath the cafés, streets and shops sits a Roman city that dates back more than 2,000 years.

On Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June, the Journées romaines (Roman Days) return to Nyon and for one weekend lean fully into that history. Gladiators will fight, legionnaires will patrol the streets, artisans will demonstrate ancient crafts and mythology will once again fill the Esplanade des Marronniers.

This year’s edition is particularly special as it marks 10 years since the event first began, turning what started as a museum event into a town tradition.

Step Back Into Roman Nyon

Across the Musée romain, the Esplanade des Marronniers and the amphitheatre site, visitors will have the chance to discover what daily life may have looked like in ancient Noviodunum, the Roman settlement that once stood where Nyon is today.

Throughout the weekend you can expect:

• Roman legionnaires moving through the town

• Gladiator demonstrations and combat displays

• Mythological storytelling

• Archaeologists sharing their work and discoveries

• Ancient crafts including ceramics, glass blowing and Roman clothing demonstrations

• Activities exploring everyday Roman life

It is one of those events that works for almost everyone. History enthusiasts can go deep into the archaeology, while families can simply enjoy watching Nyon transform into its Roman past.

Spectaculum 2024 – ©Benjamin Banon

A Rare Chance to Visit the Amphitheatre

One of the highlights this year is something usually not open to the public. Visitors will have exceptional access to the amphitheatre site, which remains inaccessible most of the year, through guided visits led by archaeologists. These tours will run throughout the weekend. Places are limited and advance booking is required via the museum website. For anyone curious about the ongoing work around the amphitheatre project in Nyon, this is a pretty unique opportunity.

Rediscovering Nyon’s Roman Story

Nyon’s Roman heritage is easy to miss because the city never really moved. The modern town grew directly over the ancient one. The Musée romain, built around the remains of the forum basilica discovered in the 1970s, helps tell that story and reveal what once stood here.

For Alexandra Spühler, Conservator of the Musée romain de Nyon, the anniversary edition feels particularly special, with the event continuing to transform Nyon into a living Roman city for the weekend

Practical Information

Dates: Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June 2026

Time: 10:00 - 18:00

Location: Musée romain, Esplanade des Marronniers and amphitheatre site

Price: Free entry and activities throughout the weekend

Only the amphitheatre visits require prior booking.

For the full programme and amphitheatre reservations visit the Musée romain de Nyon