Antique Theater

The ancient theatre

A major stop on the Vienne audio-guided tour, the ancient theatre is one of the largest remains in the city and even in France, so remarkable is its preservation. Built in the first century AD, it was uncovered from 1908.

One of the largest theatres of Antiquity

With its thirteen thousand seats, completed by a smaller theatre, the odeon, it was among the largest theatres of Roman Antiquity. Backed against the hill of Pipet, it stood a few metres from the former forum. In the fourth century, the abolition of games and shows made it useless: it fell into oblivion, covered with earth and vegetation for centuries.

What to see

Rediscovered in the nineteenth century, the theatre was brought to light, restored and inaugurated in 1938 in the presence of President Albert Lebrun. Listed as a historic monument as early as 1840, it hosts each year the paid concerts of the Jazz a Vienne festival. Walk through its tiers to grasp the grandeur of the Roman city.

Practical information

The ancient theatre is at the foot of the hill of Pipet, in the centre of Vienne. Days, visiting hours and prices should be checked depending on the season; access may be altered during the Jazz a Vienne festival.

What was the capacity of the ancient theatre ?

It could hold about thirteen thousand spectators, making it one of the largest in Roman Antiquity.

What takes place there today ?

Each summer, it hosts the concerts of the Jazz a Vienne festival in an exceptional ancient setting.