Roman Theatre

Here you are, in the heart of Lugdunum, Lyon’s major archaeological site, listed Historical Monument since 1905. The ancient theatre that stands before you is thought to have been built around 15 BC under the Emperor Augustus. It’s the oldest Gallo-Roman theatre in France, and one of the largest, along with that of Vienna and Autun. Built with a classical design, its current diameter is 108.50 meters, its sitting stands consist of three levels, and the stage measures 48 meters in width. At the time, it was mainly used for comedy and tragedy. Across the 3rd and 4th centuries, the theater and the Fourvière hill, in general, were gradually deserted as the residents moved down towards the Saône, forming what is now Vieux-Lyon. Used as a stone quarry throughout the Middle Ages, the theatre gradually got buried into the ground disappearing completely from the town. It was only in 1887 that the first ancient artifacts were discovered on this site. Excavations to progressively uncover it officially began in 1933 and continued until 1946. Year during which the first theatrical performance was staged here. In 1988, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the entire Fourvière hill. This theatre is one of the greatest remains of the Gallo-Roman era, although the numerous decorations it must have had at the time probably disappeared during the Middle Ages. Today, it welcomes thousands of visitors, notably as part of the “Nuits de Fourvière”, a major cultural festival held every summer, gathering spectators from all over France for concerts and shows. Just a few metres away to the left you will find the Odeon. A smaller theatre of 3,000 seats, intended for the intellectual elite. Further up, you’ll find a building with a distinctive architecture, home to the Lugdunum archaeological museum. It contains one of the richest archaeological collections in France with a large display of mosaics, ceramics, jewelry and sculptures. It’s the perfect place to find out more about an era dating back to over 2 millennia! In the meantime, I suggest you climb into the ancient theatre and continue your tour at the very top!