In Martigny, a variety of discoveries sit side by side: a 4 km archaeological trail brings the city’s history to life from Roman times to the Middle Ages, while museums explore individual finds and themes in greater depth. There is also Barryland, the Fondation Pierre Gianadda and a hike through steep vineyard country. When planning your stay, a good first question is therefore: would you like to focus on the city’s history, or also include cultural attractions and scenery?
Roman history and medieval traces
The Roman amphitheatre was built at the beginning of the 2nd century and is still used for various events. These include open-air cinema, cow-fighting competitions and performances; programmes may vary. If you would like to combine your visit with an event, check the dates before travelling. The amphitheatre is also part of the Parcours archéologique, located in the heart of Martigny. At 4 km long, the route traces a historical arc from Roman times to the Middle Ages.
Another historic site is Château de la Bâtiaz, built in the mid-13th century. Visitors can discover historic siege engines there and take part in various activities on the theme of the Middle Ages. The activities on offer may vary. At the château, the focus is on medieval themes, while the amphitheatre and archaeological trail explore Martigny’s Roman past.
Museums, finds and exhibitions
The Fondation Pierre Gianadda is a cultural centre in the heart of an expansive sculpture park, hosting exhibitions of international renown. As the exhibition programme changes over time, check the dates if a particular exhibition is a key part of your trip.
The Musée gallo-romain was built around the remains of a Celtic temple discovered in 1976. It presents archaeological finds from Martigny and the Valais, including a bull’s head discovered in 1883. Another facet of antiquity is shown at the Mithraeum: it is the only sanctuary of Mithras, the sun god of Iranian origin, open to the public in Switzerland. It was fully excavated and preserved at its find site. The Musée des Sciences de la Terre, in turn, displays huge quartz crystals, fluorescent crystals and a scale reconstruction of an underground mine. These institutions each have a distinct focus, from archaeological finds and a sanctuary to minerals and mining.
St. Bernards, local treats and vineyard terraces
Barryland is a 22,000 m² theme park in Martigny devoted entirely to the Swiss national dog, the St. Bernard. At set times, visitors can watch public grooming sessions in a glass-enclosed room; the dogs also take part in playful, stimulating activities. Session times may change, so check the current schedule before your visit.
The Distillerie Morand offers guided tours of its premises, focusing on alcohol production; booking details may change. Its products include Abricotine and Williamine, a pear brandy made from Williams pears. If you would like to include the cultural landscape as well as museums and city history, consider hiking to the vineyard terraces above Martigny. The route crosses steep terrain to reach hand-built terraces that have been cultivated and maintained for generations. The steep terrain is an important factor to consider when planning this hike.
Planning your stay and getting around
You can tailor your search for a holiday rental in Martigny to the kinds of places you plan to explore, without assuming anything about a particular property or its features.
A specific fare rule may also be relevant when travelling: single tickets, multi-journey tickets, and monthly and annual passes for Martigny’s city bus are valid within the municipality of Martigny on PostBus routes to Chemin, Dorénaz, Trient, Ravoire and Sion. As validity and routes may change, check the current ticket validity and route details before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Arbarey, Saillon, Martigny-Combe, Trient Vs, Saxon, Riddes, Fully, Isérables.
Go to the main travel overview: Martigny.
