A legionary camp had four camp gates (portae), through which the two main roads led into the camp: the front gate (porta praetoria), the rear gate (porta decumana) and the two side gates (portae principales). The West Gate at Vindonissa was much more elaborately designed than the North and South Gate, featuring two large polygonal side towers. This was due to its position: it was here that the main roads from Gaul, Italy and Germania led into the camp. The two towers, whose foundation walls still survive, were octagonal in shape and would probably have extended to a height of some 20 metres
The discovery of the North Gate (porta decumana) in 1905 was a major breakthrough for early Vindonissa research. Any remaining doubts were finally dispelled: Vindonissa really had been a legionary camp and not a civil settlement. The gate is situated at the northern periphery of the Windisch plateau, directly above the slope running down to the River Aare. From here there is an impressive view to the north where the Aare cuts through the Jura Mountains. The Romans had clearly identified the outstanding strategic position of the plateau at the confluence of the Aare, Reuss and Limmat rivers and
Legionärspfad Vindonissa – Museum Aargau Königsfelderstrasse 265 5210 Windisch Tel. 0848 871 200 Send a message Organisation Museum Aargau Management Member Contact Dr. Marco Sigg Director E-Mail Sibylla Fischer Head of Marketing & Communications E-Mail Rahel Göldi Head of Museum Programme E-Mail Andrea Lehner Head of Guest Services E-Mail Thomas Lüscher Head of Operations & Administration E-Mail Dr. Rudolf Velhagen Head of Collection & Conservation E-Mail
Königsfelden convent church was once the centrepiece of a large, substantial double monastery resided in by the mendicant orders of the Franciscans and the Clarists. Not only did the lives of the monks and nuns revolve around it, it was also planned as a place of commemoration for the murdered King Albrecht and the Habsburg dynasty. The convent church The Habsburg Queen Elisabeth of Carinthia, Gorizia and Tyrol founded Königsfelden Abbey more than 700 years ago. She did so in response to the murder of her husband, King Albrecht I of Habsburg, in the year 1308. The Abbey was built as a place of
A place of commemoration for the Habsburg family was created at the scene of King Albrecht I's murder. The stained glass windows of the church of Königsfelden Abbey reflect the very highest level of craftsmanship at the time and contributed to the renown of the monastery as a whole. Created between 1320 and 1360, the windows are among the most outstanding specimens of European stained glass in the Late Middle Ages. The window cycle The chancel windows were donated by family members of the murdered King Albrecht I such as his wife Elisabeth, his daughter Agnes and his sons. Their images are to
The Museum Aargau Collection has been assembled from various holdings since 1830. It consists of bequests from Aargau's castles and monasteries, numerous donations, objects acquired from company archives and targeted purchases. The Collection is constantly being expanded and documents Aargau's history in tangible form through objects that can be experienced. Collecting, preserving, researching Collecting, preserving and researching objects are among the core tasks of a museum. A collection strategy defines the criteria according to which objects are collected. When an object is added to the Collection
The Museum Aargau Collection has been assembled from various holdings since 1830. It consists of bequests from Aargau's castles and monasteries, numerous donations, objects acquired from company archives and targeted purchases. The Collection is constantly being expanded and documents Aargau's history in tangible form through objects that can be experienced. Collecting, preserving, researching Collecting, preserving and researching objects are among the core tasks of a museum. A collection strategy defines the criteria according to which objects are collected. When an object is added to the Collection
Wettingen Abbey offers great attractions for children and families: discover secret corners and solve the mystery of an incident in the year 1762. Offers for children (in German) Opening hours 26 March to 31. October 2027 Tue – Sun, holidays: 10 am – 5 pm Mon: closed
Wettingen Abbey church is divided by an imposing rood screen into a spiritual and a secular area: The converse church (rear part of the nave) was already open to the public when the abbey still existed. The red-brown rood screen, with its magnificent altars and paintings, provides a ceremonial setting for church services, concerts or weddings. The monks' church (front section of the nave) was reserved for the monks and clergy. The abbey church can be visited freely, and church services are held here regularly. The monks' church is part of the museum (admission fee payable). For more information,
WINTER CLOSURE The Museum of Wettingen Abbey will be closed from November 2026 to March 2027 (winter closure). We look forward to welcoming you from 26 March 2027. Getting here Arriving by car Visitors with limited mobility can drive up to the abbey complex (Klosterstrasse). However, there are no parking spaces available here. We kindly ask you to park your car in the general parking lot (P+Rail facility at Wettingen train station, 5 minutes’ walk from the abbey). Above the abbey there are also a small number of parking spaces for disabled persons. Getting here Arriving by train and bus Wettingen
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Hallwyl Castle
Winter closure: The castle reopens on 26 March 2027
Discover Hallwyl Castle on Lake Hallwil! The moated castle in the canton of Aargau is one of the most beautiful castles in Switzerland.
WINTER CLOSURE
Hallwyl Castle will be closed from November 2026 to March 2027 (winter closure). We look forward to welcoming you from 26 March 2027.
