Arles - Roman Theater Théâtre Antique
The Roman theater in Arles is located in Rue de la Calade/Rue du Cloître; opening times are the same as those for the Arènes.
It was built in the time of Augustus and, with seating for 8,000 on 33 tiers of steps, was as large as the theater in Orange. In the early Middle Ages the theater was used as a quarry, and with the material it provided the town wall was erected.
It was built in the time of Augustus and, with seating for 8,000 on 33 tiers of steps, was as large as the theater in Orange. In the early Middle Ages the theater was used as a quarry, and with the material it provided the town wall was erected.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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Of the rear wall of the stage only a few stumps of pillars and two more or less complete columns remain. Since the theater is now used again during the summer it is protected on the outside by screens and the interior is somewhat spoiled by the necessary technical apparatus.
Most of the relics brought to light during excavation can be seen in the Musée d'Art Païen - the most important of these is the "Venus of Arles", a representation of the goddess Diana, which was discovered near a fountain in 1651 and is now in the Louvre in Paris.
Most of the relics brought to light during excavation can be seen in the Musée d'Art Païen - the most important of these is the "Venus of Arles", a representation of the goddess Diana, which was discovered near a fountain in 1651 and is now in the Louvre in Paris.
