On several occasions remains of a villa were unearthed in Oberwichtrach, about halfway between Bern and Thun. The main building was located to the east of the church at the locality Lerchenberg.
The church of Oberwichtrach. Photo: Wikimedia, Roland Zumbuehl.
Map of the area. Suter-Koenig 1990(2), Abb. 10.
The first discoveries were made in 1830 and 1842 (a room with a hypocaust), then in 1969 and 1974-1975. A secondary building was excavated in 1984-1985. In 1994 remains of what may have been a sanctuary were found below the church.
View of the excavation of the main building in 1969. Photo: Drack 1980(1), Abb. 15.
The secondary building excavated in 1984-1985. Photos: Suter-Koenig 1990(2), Abb. 5.The complex must have been some 100 meters wide. The living rooms of the main building were behind a porticus. Substantial remains of paintings were found. The villa was used from the first to the third century.
Left: hypothetical extension of the villa. Right: plan and reconstruction drawing of the main building. Images: Gemeinden Nieder- und Oberwichtrach.
Remains of paintings from the main building, excavated in 1969. Photos: Drack 1980(1), p. 10.
Literature
Drack 1980(1); Suter-Koenig 1990(2).
[7-Nov-2023]
