Ancient theatre of Vienne

The Ancient theatre of Vienne is a Roman structure built into Pipet Hill that once held approximately 13,000 spectators in its tiered seating areas. Arched passageways ran beneath the stands, connecting different levels and allowing easy movement throughout the site.

This structure was built in the middle of the 1st century during Roman expansion in Gaul, making it the second largest theatre of its kind in the region at that time. It emerged when Rome was establishing its cultural influence through such grand public buildings.

The theatre was a gathering place where people came together for shared experiences in Roman times. It served as the social heart of the town, where performances and public meetings brought the community together regularly.

The site requires walking up and down steep slopes to explore its different sections, so comfortable shoes are essential for your visit. Visiting during daylight hours gives you the best chance to see the carved details and understand the layout of the ancient structures.

A small religious sanctuary sat at the hilltop above the theatre, showing how Romans connected sacred spaces with public entertainment. This dual-purpose design suggests the site held both spiritual and social importance in the community's everyday life.

Location: Vienne

Address: 7 rue du Cirque

Opening Hours: November 2-March 31 Tuesday-Sunday 13:00-17:30; April 1-August 31 Monday-Sunday 09:30-18:00; September 1-October 31 Tuesday-Sunday 09:30-18:00

GPS coordinates: 45.52480,4.87888

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:43