Roman Theatre of Autun (Théâtre romain d’Autun)
One of the largest theatres of Roman Gaul, still used for performances on summer nights.
- Heritage site
- 47 min from Beaune
- Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Autun
€165one way from Beaune with a private driver
At a glance
- Official website
- autun-tourisme.com
Getting there
Private driver from Beaune: 47 min by road (53 km), €165 one way for the whole car.
Coming by train or plane? Transfers from stations and airports →
About the place
On the eastern side of Autun, the tiers of a vast Roman theatre climb a natural slope in open parkland. Built in the 1st century for the city of Augustodunum, it measured 148 metres across. It remains one of the great Roman sites of Burgundy, and in summer it becomes a stage again.
What you will see
Walk up the grassy tiers and sit where Roman spectators once did, looking down over the orchestra towards the town. On late July and early August evenings, the historical show Augustodunum fills the theatre with a large cast. It moves through the city's past, from chariot races and gladiators in the Roman town to the Middle Ages, ending with the visit of King Francis I to Autun in 1521.
History
Augustodunum was founded under the emperor Augustus as the new capital of the Aedui, the Gallic people whose earlier stronghold was Bibracte. The theatre was built in the second half of the 1st century AD, set against a hillside to save on masonry. With a diameter of 148 metres, it ranked among the largest theatres of Gaul. It stayed in use until late Antiquity, then served as a stone quarry through the Middle Ages.
Scholars studied the ruins in the 19th century. At the start of the 20th century part of the seating was rebuilt, and from 1909 the theatre hosted performances once again. A major campaign of restoration and excavation followed between 1933 and 1938. The theatre was on the first list of French historic monuments drawn up in 1840, together with two other Roman sites in Autun, the Temple of Janus and the Couhard pyramid.
Planning your visit
Tips for your visit
The theatre is on the eastern edge of town, a short drive from the cathedral. Allow half an hour, or longer if you continue on foot to the Porte Saint-André nearby. For the summer night show, book ahead through the tourist office and bring a cushion, as the official advice points out that the stone seating is not comfortable.
Around here
What to combine with Roman Theatre of Autun on the same day, nearest first.
- Culture
Augustodunum, spectacle historique d’Autun
Around eight evenings from late July to early AugustAutun
Questions
Roman Theatre of Autun is about 47 min from Beaune by road (53 km). With a private driver, the trip from Beaune starts at €165 for the whole car, up to 4 guests.
Did you know? In 1976, aerial photography revealed a second Roman theatre of almost the same size outside the ancient walls, at the Haut-du-Verger, in the sanctuary area around the Temple of Janus.
Sources
Roman Theatre of Autun with a private driver
€165 one way from Beaune · up to 4 guests