Also known as the Grand Roman Theatre of Lyon, the Théâtre Romain, or simply the Grand Théâtre, the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière would be at home in the heart of Rome. The archaeological wonder, refurbished in the early 20th century, is one of the oldest such amphitheaters in existence; it was first built under Augustus and later expanded under Hadrian.
Accompanying the theater itself are other nearby ruins (thought to be a Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Cybele), the Odeon of Lyon (a smaller, neighboring theater, known for its detailed floor designs and formerly used for poetry readings), as well as the Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon, which offers more information about the site’s history. The theater is a highlight of Lyon sightseeing itineraries, including electric bike tours, hop-on hop-off bus tours, and history-themed walking tours.