Site of the Month: Discover switzerland's unknown past throughout the year

The Roman villa at Pully and the Lavaux – Switzerland’s First World War defences on the Umbrail Pass – Val Müstair – the early modern spa at Weissenburgbad in the Simmental – a cave on the Rigi once inhabited by cave bears: Switzerland’s archaeological sites may not seem quite as spectacular as those of Egypt or Greece, but they are no less interesting – on the contrary! Therefore ArchaeoToursim2012 and ArchaeoConcept decided to promote Swiss archaeology, landscapes and treasures through a unique and original sustainable tourism project. The particularity of this project is the strong collaboration between archaeologists, palaeontologists and tourism professionals, as well as local historical associations. From June 2015 each month one site in one canton of Switzerland is put in the spotlight.

 
The project Site of the month – which is almost 3 years old! - offers an original way to discover swiss cultural and archaeological heritage, promotes this heritage as a touristic product and brings together the stakeholders of archaeological and touristic sectors.

Educative and fun activities on heritage and archaeology sites are organised all year round. Every month a new site is chosen, enhanced and opened to visitors who have the chance to discover Switzerland, its wonderful cultural heritage, landscapes and local specialties. All sites are accessible in public transportation and are located near visitors facilities such as hotels and restaurants.

The project started in June 2015 with the site of le Banné in Porentruy (Jura). The public was invited to discover the incredible invertebrate fauna which lived here in the Jurassic sea about 152 billion years ago… Since, 18 paleontological, archaeological and historical sites have become part of the network "sites of the month"! We are also very happy to inform our followers that numerous sites are going to be added to the project the coming year. The structure is now managed by Aurélia Basterrechea, one of our board member, and by Stephanie Hug who is going to work on the swiss-german sites from Februar 2018 on.

WE NEED YOU ! If you live near a site that deserves more visibility and which is important to you and your community, or if you would like to enhance your heritage, please contact us! It could become our new Site of the month!
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info.archaeotourism[at]bluewin.ch or aurelia.basterrechea[at]rchaeoconcept.com. ​