Théâtre Antique, Arles

Historic Site and Roman Site in Arles

Roman Theater In Arles — CC BY-SA 3.0 / Bokeby

The Roman Theatre in Arles, dating back to the 1st century during Caesar Augustus’s reign, stands as a monumental piece of ancient architecture. It is situated adjacent to the renowned Arles Amphitheatre in the historic city of Arles, located in the beautiful region of Provence, France. This ancient theatre, along with Arles’ other Roman and medieval structures, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting the city’s rich ancient and Romanesque heritage.

Architectural Marvel of Roman Times
Originally, the theatre boasted 33 tiers of seating, accommodating up to 8,000 spectators, showcasing its grand scale comparable to the Roman Theatre of Orange. Despite its current state, which is less preserved than its counterpart, the theatre’s remains offer a glimpse into the grandeur of Roman public entertainment facilities.

Transformation Through the Ages
Throughout the Middle Ages, the theatre experienced a period of decline, repurposed as a source of building materials. Stones from the theatre were repurposed to construct city walls and other local structures, leading to its present partial preservation. Presently, visitors can observe remnants of the stage area, the orchestra section, several rows of seating, and two enduring columns, which collectively narrate the theatre’s storied past.

A Treasured Discovery: The Venus of Arles
Among the theatre’s notable historical finds is the Venus of Arles, a magnificent Roman marble statue, discovered in fragments within the theatre’s confines in 1651. This discovery further cements the Roman Theatre of Arles’ significance as a repository of ancient art and culture.

The Roman Theatre of Arles remains an invaluable archaeological site, offering insights into the architectural ingenuity and cultural practices of Roman society, continuing to captivate historians, archaeologists, and tourists with its enduring legacy.

The Théâtre Antique, Arles appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Arles!

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Visiting Théâtre Antique, Arles

Hours:

01/03 to 30/04: daily between 9 am and 6 pm.

01/05 to 30/09: daily between 9 am and 7 pm.

01/10 to 31/10: daily between 9 am and 6 pm.

02/11 to 01/03: daily between 10.30 am and 4.30 pm.

Closed January 1st, May 1st & December 25th.

Price:

Full price: 9 € Reduced price: 7 €.

Address: Roman Theatre of Arles, Rue du Cloître, Arles, France

Duration: 40 minutes