Martigny: Culture, Roman History and Vineyard Terraces

Martigny offers a range of attractions for a stay: a theme park dedicated to the St. Bernard dog, Roman history, museums and steep vineyard terraces. When looking for a hotel in Martigny, these interests can help guide your travel planning.

Barryland and Roman history

Barryland is a 22,000 m² theme park in Martigny, in the canton of Valais, dedicated entirely to the St. Bernard, Switzerland’s national dog. Visitors can watch public grooming sessions in a glass-enclosed room at set times. The St. Bernards also take part in playful and stimulating activities. As session times may change, check the current schedule before your visit.

The Roman amphitheatre was built at the beginning of the 2nd century and is still used for various events, including open-air cinema, cow fights and performances. The specific programme may change, so check the event dates for your travel period.

The 4 km Parcours archéologique in the heart of Martigny traces the city’s history from Roman times to the Middle Ages and also includes the amphitheatre. It therefore offers a broader historical perspective than the building history of the structure itself.

Castles and archaeological collections

Château de la Bâtiaz was built in the mid-13th century. Visitors can discover historical siege engines there and take part in various medieval-themed activities. Individual activities may vary.

The Musée gallo-romain was built around the remains of a Celtic temple discovered in 1976. It displays archaeological finds from Martigny and Valais, including a bull’s head discovered in 1883. The Mithraeum adds another perspective on the past: it was fully excavated and preserved in situ. It is also the only sanctuary of Mithras, the sun god of Iranian origin, that is open to the public in Switzerland.

The Musée des Sciences de la Terre offers a different focus. Its exhibits include enormous quartz crystals, fluorescent crystals and a life-size reconstruction of an underground mine. In Martigny, archaeological finds and insights into the world of minerals sit side by side.

Art, vineyards and local products

The Fondation Pierre Gianadda is a cultural centre in the heart of a vast sculpture park and hosts exhibitions of international renown. As the exhibition programme changes, it is worth checking the dates for your stay.

Above Martigny, a hike to the vineyard terraces leads through steep terrain. The terraces, built by hand, have been maintained for generations. If you plan this hike, take the terrain into account when planning your day.

The Distillerie Morand also offers insight into a local subject: tours of its premises focus on alcohol production. Products on offer include Abricotine and Williamine; Williamine is a pear brandy made from Williams pears. Tour booking details may change, so check them in advance.

Tickets and travel planning

Single tickets, multi-journey tickets, and monthly and annual passes for the Martigny city bus are valid within the municipality of Martigny on PostBus routes to Chemin, Dorénaz, Trient, Ravoire and Sion. As validity areas and routes may change, check the latest fare and timetable information before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Trient Vs, Leytron, Arbarey, Fully, Saxon, Saillon, Isérables, Riddes.

Go to the main travel overview: Martigny.