Roman Theatre

The Roman theatre of Fourvière, in Lyon

The Roman theatre of Fourvière is an exceptional vestige of Lugdunum, the Roman capital of the Gauls, on the hill of Fourvière. The Lyon audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this remarkably preserved ancient monument, a witness of more than two thousand years of history.

The ancient vestiges of Lugdunum

The Roman theatre of Fourvière is one of the most precious testimonies of Antiquity in Lyon. On this hill formerly rose Lugdunum, founded in 43 before our era and become the capital of the Three Gauls, one of the most important towns of the Roman Empire in the West. The theatre, leaning against the slope of the hill according to the ancient usage, was built to host the shows, the tragedies and the comedies in front of thousands of spectators. Remarkably preserved, with its stone tiers arranged in a semicircle and its stage, it has crossed the centuries. At its side is another vestige, the odeon, a smaller hall reserved for music and literary competitions, as well as the ruins of other ancient buildings. The ensemble forms a major archaeological site, completed by a museum. Today, the theatre comes back to life each summer during the festival of the Nuits de Fourvière, which hosts there concerts and shows. A jewel of Antiquity and the cradle of Lyon, the Roman theatre of Fourvière is a must-see stop.

What to see

You admire the exceptional vestiges of Lugdunum, capital of the Three Gauls founded in 43 before our era, with the remarkably preserved Roman theatre leaning against the hill, its stone tiers in a semicircle and its stage, the neighbouring odeon and a museum, a site that comes back to life each summer during the festival of the Nuits de Fourvière. The Roman theatre of Fourvière is the ancient cradle of Lyon. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Roman theatre lies on the hill of Fourvière, in Lyon, reachable on foot by a climb or by the funicular. The archaeological site is generally freely accessible according to its hours; the museum and the festival shows follow their own conditions, which vary. It is best to check them before coming.

What is the Roman theatre of Fourvière in Lyon?

An exceptional vestige of Lugdunum, the Roman capital of the Three Gauls founded in 43 before our era; this remarkably preserved ancient theatre, leaning against the hill with its stone tiers in a semicircle, hosts each summer the festival of the Nuits de Fourvière, and neighbours the odeon.

Where is the Roman theatre of Fourvière in Lyon?

On the hill of Fourvière, in Lyon, in France.