Who: Al Spreng, Lillian Spreng, Wealthy Spreng, Portia Hugger, Carl Spreng, and Janice Spreng (3 generations!)
Where: Roman Amphitheatre in Avenches, Switzerland
Out and about: West of Bern is Avenches which prospered as the capital of Roman Switzerland. During its golden age, it had a population of 20,000, and the huge city wall had 73 watchtowers. By 450 AD, its glory days were over, but many of the public buildings (baths, temples, this amphitheatre, and more) have been excavated. It is well worth visiting these extensive Roman ruins all of which are free.
Travel tip: Do you want great history and beautiful scenery in a place not overrun by tourists? Just north of Avenches is the picturesque Murten, an ancient town which has well preserved ramparts built in the 14th and 15th centuries.Wander along the wall for views of the old town roofs, the castle, Lake Murten (the smaller lake between the lakes of Biel and Neuchâtel), and the Jura foothills. The surroundings are as charming and appealing as you can find anywhere.
