Théâtre Antique (Ancient Theater), Arles
Ruins of the Ancient Theater in Arles, with the "two widows" (photos: Craig Patik; Giant Ginkgo).
Directly up rue de la Calade from place de la République from the Amphitheater are the picturesque ruins of the Théâtre Antique (Ancient Theater).
This theater was built by the Romans under Augustus in the 1st century and once served as an entertainment venue to some 20,000 spectators. Now only two Corinthian columns remain, which are known as the "two widows."
An overgrown and pleasant parklike retreat, the theater serves as a concert stage for the Festival d'Arles (in July and August) and site of the Recontres Internationales de la Photographie (Photography Festival).
The famous Venus of Arles was discovered here in 1651. A copy of a masterpiece of Hellenistic statuary, it was broken into three pieces and armless when discovered. Arles offered it to Louis XIV, who had it restored, and today it is in the Louvre.
| Address: | Rue de la Calade, Arles, France |
| Directions: | Take rue de la Calade from the city hall. |
| Phone: | 04-90-49-36-74 |
| Hours: | May-Sept., daily 9-noon and 2-7; Oct., daily 9-noon and 2-6; Nov.-Dec., daily 10-noon and 2-5; Mar. and Apr., 9-noon and 2-5. |
| Cost: | €3 |
