The Fourvière archaeological park, at Lyon, is located in the city's 5th arrondissement, on the edge of the Saône.
It brings together the remains of the Roman era when the city was called Lugdunum and was considered the capital of the Three Gauls. This district was gradually abandoned from the third century. For centuries, the site was used as a stone quarry, before being covered by vegetation.
It was not until the 19th and especially the 20th centuries that excavations brought to light and enhance these exceptional testimonies to the greatness of Lugdunum.
In the 1970s, on the embankments resulting from the excavations, a partially buried museum was built.
The large ancient theater, which dates from 15 BC, built in the time of Emperor Augustus, is now accessible in the open air. Classically, it has three main parts: the cavea, the orchestra and the stage. It could accommodate up to 10,000 spectators. It is used again nowadays during major concerts in summer, the Nuits de Fourvière.
Nearby was the Odeon, built in the 2nd century, with a smaller capacity (3,000 people) which was used for public readings and meetings of notables. The archaeological park also includes a set of shops (the rue des boutiques), elements of a paved Roman road, thermal baths, a water tank…
The set has been classified since 1905. Open every day except the 1st January, May 1, December 25. Access to the park is free. The ideal is to complete this dive into the ancient Lyon by visiting the museum where the major stages in the history of Lugdunum are explained and archaeological treasures (works of art, objects, etc.) are presented. In addition, conferences and workshops are regularly scheduled there. Price: from 4 and 7 euros. Information on +33 4 72 38 49 30.
