Théâtre Gallo-Romain de Fourvière, Roman theater on Fourvière hill, Lyon, France
The Gallo-Roman Theater of Fourvière is an ancient performance space carved into the hillside, with seating tiers arranged in a semicircle that spans approximately 108 meters across. The stage sits at the base of this structure, with the whole design taking advantage of the natural slope of the terrain.
The theater was founded during the time of Emperor Augustus as Rome expanded control over the region, and it was enlarged in the 2nd century to serve growing audiences. After the fall of Roman power, the site fell into abandonment and deteriorated over the centuries.
The theater takes its name from the hillside where it stands and continues to serve as a performance venue today, with music and shows echoing off its ancient stone walls.
Visiting requires sturdy shoes since you walk on uneven ground over ancient steps and the terrain can be rough. It is advisable to arrive early or choose less crowded times of day, as the site can become busy during good weather.
The theater lay buried beneath layers of dirt and plant growth for centuries after falling into disuse, until it was rediscovered and excavated in the early 20th century. These excavations revealed a remarkably intact Roman site, allowing visitors to see ancient architecture much as it originally stood.
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