Autun (pop. 18,085), southwest of Dijon, is called the "gateway to Morvan". On the east side of the town are a number of important Roman monuments, including the largest Roman theater in Gaul, with seating for 20,000 spectators, two town gates (the Porte d'Arroux and the Porte St-André) and the imposing remains of a temple of Janus.
The 12th C Cathedral of St-Lazare is a great presentation of Cluniac architecture. Of particular note is the "Last Judgment" by the sculptor, Gislebertus, located in the main doorway.
The Musée Rolin, in the 15th C Hôtel Rolin, has prehistoric and Gallo-Roman sections and a particularly fine medieval collection.
Address: Musée Rolin, 5 rue des Bancs, F-71400 Autun, France
Hours:
April 1 to September 30: 9:30am-12pm, 1:30pm-6pm; Closed: Mon
October 1 to March 31: 10am-12pm, 2pm-5pm; Sun:10am-12pm, 2:30pm-5pm; Closed: Mon, Mon, Tue
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), May Day / Labor Day (May 1), Bastille Day - France (July 14), All Saints' Day - Christian (November 1), Remembrance Day / 1918 Armistice Day (November 11), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The Pageant of Antiquity is an annual festival involving 600 costumed residents in a Gallo-Roman theatrical extravaganza. The festival takes place in late August and includes chariot races, period dances and music, circus acts and reenactments of Romanesque events.
Address: Autun Tourist Office, 2 avenue Charles de Gaulle, F-71400 Autun, France
Tips: Main pageant performances take place on weekends.
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Autun Cathedral
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Autun Cathedral, Autun
