Théâtres Romains de Fourvière, Lyon
The Roman Theater in Fourviere, Lyon. Photo
dek.
Side view of the Roman Theater. Photo
Nicholas Thompson.
The odeon. Photo
dek.
View of the city of Lyon from the Roman Theater. Photo
thefunkyman.
Location map and aerial view of Théâtres Romains de Fourvière. For a larger interactive view, see our Lyon Map.
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
Site Information |
| Names: | Théâtres Romains de Fourvière; Roman Theaters |
| Dedicated to: | Cybele |
| Location: | Lyon, France |
| Categories: | Roman Temples; Theaters/Arenas |
| Faith: | Ancient Roman |
| Status: | ruins |
| Date: | 17-15 BC (theater); 160 AD (temple) |
| Patron: | Augustus |
| Architecture: | Roman |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 45.759619° N, 4.819522° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | 6 rue de l'Antiquaille, Montée de Fourvière, Lyon, France |
| Hours: | Daily 7am-7pm |
| Cost: | Free |
| Photography: | Permitted |
| Public transport: | Metro: Vieux Lyon |
Travel Resources
- Lyon Map - our detailed interactive map of Lyon, plus hand-picked links to more
- Getting to Lyon - directions by train, car and bus, plus location map and links
- Lyon Guided Tours - book sightseeing tours and activities in Lyon
- Lyon Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Lyon Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Lyon Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
- Lyon Flight Search - compare multiple travel sites to find the lowest airfare to Lyon
- Lyon Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
- Lyon Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Lyon tourism
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Personal visit (October 2004).
- Frommer's France 2005
Article last updated: 09/30/2009.
