The new wayfinding system is more than just a signpost and combines orientation with an experience. It helps visitors discover new things, makes information easy to grasp at a glance and enhances the overall experience of visiting the Roman town.

The concept follows a clear logic: orientation, knowledge transfer and design are intertwined: as visitors move through Augusta Raurica, they not only discover the site itself, but also gain insights into its history and the people who once lived here.

Thanks to multilingual signage, precise maps, a clear colour scheme and consistent pictograms, the concept works without much explanation for both locals and visitors from all over the world.

“With the new signage, Augusta Raurica deliberately sets a counterpoint to the usual restraint of archaeological communication. In a sprawling site visited by over 150,000 people annually, it is no longer just about showing the way, but about making a historical space legible,” says Lilian Raselli, Director of the Augusta Raurica Museum. “My personal highlight is the visual clarity. It structures the space, provides orientation in a matter of seconds and, at the same time, opens up immediate access to history.”

Focus maps
Detailed map of the immediate vicinity, oriented towards the viewer’s line of sight.

Waymarkers
Clear guidance around the site, for all arrival points (bus stops, public transport, car parks).

Points of Interest
Highlights of the site are clearly marked and brought to life. The attractions are labelled with their Latin names.

Information boards
Insights into 2,000 years of settlement history, presented in a clear and accessible manner.

Meeting points
There is now a designated meeting point in the centre. ‘Treffpunkt 1’ is located on the forecourt of the theatre.

The wayfinding system is inspired by Roman standards. Even in ancient times, these military standards served as guides, expressions of identity and visual anchors. The design thus creates a visual link to the site’s Roman history, bringing history to life rather than merely explaining it.

A defining feature is the deliberately contemporary design language. Rather than relying on historicising elements, it focuses on clarity, contrast and high recognisability. It is precisely in the interplay between ancient archaeological remains and contemporary communication that a new quality emerges. The past is not staged, but made understandable.

The project is based on current principles of ‘universal design’. Wayfinding systems should be understandable and usable independently by people with a wide range of needs. Specifically, the following aspects have been taken into account: the chosen font and font size ensure good legibility. Contrast and colour ratios have been chosen to ensure they are suitable for people with visual impairments. Pictograms complement the text and draw attention, for example, to obstacles such as steps or slopes in the terrain. The height at which the signs are mounted is wheelchair-accessible, ensuring that the information is easily accessible even when seated.

You may still come across elements of the previous signage system. This is because, in the initial phase, implementation is taking place only in the centre of the ancient city, and this is being done gradually. Outside the centre, the new signage system will be added at a later date and visitor guidance further improved.