The Odeon, the Grand Theatre and the Gallo-Roman Museum are the most important Roman monuments that you can visit in Lyon. Together they constitute an important archaeological site and show the remains of the ancient city.
Built at the time of Emperor Augustus, the Grand Theatre stands on a hill and is divided into three sections of stone seats that in the past could accommodate up to 10,000 spectators. The Odeon, a smaller theatre, is located on the same hill and is divided into two sections. When it was built, the total capacity was 3000 people.
Unfortunately, these two theatres were used as quarries in the Middle Ages and then forgotten. Archaeological work to recover them began in 1933, with the support of Mayor Édouard Herriot, who provided dedicated funds and services. The theatres have both been restored and are currently used for outdoor performances during the Festival des Nuits de Fourvière.
