The main tourist attraction in Orange is the ancient Roman Theatre. This remarkable amphitheatre, built during the reign of Emperor Augustus in the 1st century AD, is considered to be one of the ‘best preserved Roman theatres in Europe.’ It’s open to the public for tours and worth a visit, even if you’re only in Orange for a day.
A lasting reminder of the rich history of Roman Arausio, the theatre served for about four centuries as a major entertainment venue. Closed, and subsequently abandoned due to regime change in the 4th century AD, the site was in use again as a performance theatre by the 9th century. And like other Roman theatres and arenas in the region, served for a time as a fortified residential community in the late-Middle Ages and, in later years, as a prison. Following renovations in the early 19th century, the Roman Theatre is open for tours and in use again as a venue for stage productions and concerts.
What remains of this structure, which was looted and vandalized over time, is quite remarkable. The once decorative stage wall, which retains its original height of just over 120 feet,
features a statue of Emperor Augustus (thought to be a replacement for a previous one of Apollo) and columns that have been returned to their original locations. The wall served as a backdrop for productions and also as an acoustic feature.
You’ll likely see visitors at the base of the stage testing the theatre’s impressive sound projection for those sitting in the upper tiers.
A tour of the theatre, complete with comprehensive audio guide, allows visitors to wander at their leisure at the base of the stage, up into the terraced seating past some of the original stonework,
and through the galleries along the perimeter. Various chambers along the galleries house special exhibitions, presenting a brief history of Roman society as well as film projections giving a history of the performances held in the theatre.
Video segments include footage of opera performances
and rock concerts.
Make your way to the upper levels for panoramic views of the theatre and surrounding neighborhood.
Just outside of the theatre and accessible at ground level, are the remains of an ancient temple.
It’s believed that the temple, separated from the theatre by a paved road, featured a portico with 52 columns and a wall decorated with 12 fountains representing the 12 months of the year. Nearby, where the modern roadway and the Museum of Art and History are located today, was the site of the Roman Forum. And, rising up behind the theatre is Saint Eutrope Hill (Colline Saint-Eutrope) site of the former Palace of the Princes of Orange.
To see some of the items removed from the Roman Theatre, and to learn more about the history of the city, consider visiting the Museum of Art and History across the street.
The Roman Theatre and its surroundings are listed jointly with the Triumphal Arch of Orange as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The audio guide included with the price of admission gives a thorough history of the theatre. If you find this type of thing interesting, you can expect to spend at least 2 hours visiting the theatre.
Getting there:
The Roman Theatre is located at Rue Madeleine Roch. It’s a 15 minute-walk from the train station.
Ticket Info:
Adult Admission (Roman Theatre + Museum of Art and History) = 9.50€; includes audio guide
Travel tip:
During the time of our visit, we noticed some visitors had stored their bags near the vending machines.
Summary
Reviewer
Mike Young
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Orange Roman Theatre
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By Things to do in Orange - visit the Roman Theatr... 27 Apr ’16 at 11:03 am