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Théâtres Romains de Fourvière, Lyon

Photo © dek. View all images in our Théâtres Romains de Fourvière Photo Gallery.
Photo © Nicholas Thompson.
Photo © dek.
Photo © thefunkyman.

The Théâtres Romains, a Roman theater-odeum-temple complex, is in a park south of the Notre Dame de Fourvière Basilica in Lyon.

History

Lyon's Roman theater is the oldest in France, built by order of Augustus from 17 to 15 BC and expanded during the reign of Hadrian.

What to See

Ruins of three ancient Roman structures - a theater, odeum and temple - cluster together on Fourvière Hill just south of the Notre-Dame Basilica. The theater has steep seating galleries, a decorated floor, and the foundations of a large stage.

The odeum (or odeon) is a much smaller theater that was used for musical shows and poetry competitions. It was richly decorated and its floor still contains inlaid marble and porphyry.

Only the foundations remain of the third structure, a temple dedicated in 160 AD to the goddess Cybele.


Quick Facts on the Théâtres Romains de Fourvière

Site Information
Names:Roman Theaters; Roman Theaters, Lyon; Théâtres Romains de Fourvière
City:Lyon
Country:France
cat:Temples; Theaters/Arenas
faith:Ancient Roman
style:Roman
Dates:17 BCE-160 CE
Status:ruins
Visitor and Contact Information
Address:6 rue de l'Antiquaille, Lyon, France
Coordinates:45.759619° N, 4.819522° E  (view on Google Maps)
Opening Hours:Daily 7am-7pm
Cost:Free
Transport:Metro: Vieux Lyon
Lodging:View hotels near this location
Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

Map of the Théâtres Romains de Fourvière

Below is a location map and aerial view of the Théâtres Romains de Fourvière. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.

References

  1. Personal visit (October 2004).
  2. Frommer's France 2005

More Information

Article Info

Title:Théâtres Romains de Fourvière, Lyon
Author:Holly Hayes
Last updated:09/30/2009
Permalink:www.sacred-destinations.com/france/lyon-roman-theaters
Link code:<a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/france/lyon-roman-theaters">Théâtres Romains de Fourvière, Lyon</a>