Ancient Roman circus of Vienne, Roman archaeological site in Vienne, France
The Ancient Roman circus of Vienne is an archaeological site with a racing track that stretches roughly 460 meters (1,500 feet) along the Rhone and dates from around the second century. The ruins still show the layout of a typical Roman circus with its track and traces of where spectators sat.
The site was built in the late first century and later expanded to provide space for chariot races to larger crowds. Over the following centuries it was modified several times before eventually losing its role as the city changed and moved on.
The spina, the central platform, held fountains, shrines, and statues that showed what Roman public spaces looked like when filled with artistic details. These features were part of everyday life for people who gathered here to spend their leisure time.
The site sits near the river on Boulevard Fernand Point and can be visited year-round, either independently or with a knowledgeable guide. It is wise to wear sturdy shoes since the ground is uneven and some areas are rough to walk across.
A pyramid structure standing at the center carries an intriguing local legend linking it to Pontius Pilate and his supposed exile in the city. Though historically contested, this story kept the monument alive in local memory across the centuries.
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