Situated in Provence, the Roman Theatre of Orange is the best preserved Roman theatre in the western world and has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Visit this impressive monument built under Emperor Augustus in the 1st century A.D. An audio-guided tour and film will enable you to discover the history of the theatre and its place in antiquity. Opposite the theatre, the Art and History Museum of Orange exhibits collections from Antiquity to the 19th century. Great monuments, an exciting journey through Imperial Rome.

The best preserved theatre in the West of the Roman Empire

Located in the valley of the Rhone, the Theatre at Orange is, without doubt, one of the finest remains of the Roman Empire and, as such, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is, in fact, the best preserved theatre in the whole of Europe.

The Theatre at Orange is extraordinary in that it has retained its magnificent stage wall – surprisingly well preserved and unique in the Western world. Because of the wall it still has wonderful acoustics. It was a great centre for shows in Roman times and still draws huge audiences to musical events today.

The commentary on your headphones will help you to picture the 10,000 spectators crowded onto the tiered seats to watch the actors, dancers and jugglers performing on the stage in front of the magnificently decorated wall – a unique and fascinating place that will interest the whole family

A great Roman theatre

The Roman theatre at Orange was built according to traditional theatre design : tiered seats, an orchestra, stage and stage wall. The tiered seats arranged in a semi-circle, known as a "cavea", were carved out of the side of the Saint-Eutrope hill and can accommodate up to 10,000 spectators.
The audience occupied particular areas of seating in strict accordance with their rank and status. t the front and nearer the stage, were important people in both civic and military life. At the back and further away, were people from humbler backgrounds. The social hierarchy of the city was therefore perfectly reflected here in the theatre.

A large awning, called a "vellum" was stretched over the audience to protect them from the sun.The wooden stage stands high over the "orchestra", the semi-circular area around which the tiered seats are grouped. On either side of the stage are the "basilicae", two storey towers from which the minor actors made their entrances and which were also used to store stage sets.

The finest wall in my kingdom"

• Orange roman theatre

The most striking feature of the theatre at Orange is the stage wall. Originally it would have been covered with marble slabs and decorated with bas-reliefs, carved friezes, statues in niches and columns. Their purpose was not purely decorative as the projections and cavities in the wall would have helped to eliminate the problem of echoes. The central Royal Door was reserved for the principal actors to make their entrances and exits.

• La fierté de Louis XIV

"The finest wall in my kingdom” were the words used by King Louis XIV about the monumental exterior wall, or "postscaenium", 103 metres wide and 37 metres high. It is pierced by openings on the stage wall as well as by the Royal Door and side doors. At the very top can be seen the attachments for the "velum" that was stretched over the tiered seats.

 

A new stage roof

• stage roof

The Roman Theatre of Orange was originally covered by a roof structure dating from the 14th century AD, which was destroyed by fire. From the 19th century onwards, numerous roofing projects were devised to protect the ancient façade of the great stage wall, which was rapidly deteriorating. Rainwater and bad weather were increasingly weakening this magnificent Imperial Roman building. However, it was impossible to restore the roof to its original state.

• A new stage roof, inaugurated in June 2006

Therefore, the immense over 1000m² glass roof of the Roman Theatre of Orange is made of metal structures, which support the glass plates. This roof only weighs 200 tonnes, i.e. 50% less than a timber structure. To preserve the monument, it does not rest on the ancient stones but on a gigantic 61.70 metre long cross beam, supported by the side buildings reinforced by injections of lime into the stone.

This project perfectly preserves the unique and extraordinary acoustics of the Roman Theatre of Orange. The roof has been installed at a height of 32 metres whereas the human voice only rises to 25 metres and singing to 27. In addition, an acoustic membrane has been placed under this stage roof and acts as a “louvre”. By integrating current safety standards, the installation also serves as a support for the lighting and curtain which, concealed by a thin metal mesh, discretely fit into the decor.

 

Located in the heart of a Provençal town

The Roman theatre at Orange is carved out of a hillside in the heart of Provence. From its position on the foothills of the Saint-Eutrope hill, the theatre affords some splendid views over the town and as far as the Mont Ventoux. Just a short distance from the theatre is the charming old town of Orange, with its narrow streets, its ancient squares and fountains.

 A well preserved Roman town

• Ancien roman town

In addition to the Roman theatre, an amphitheatre, gymnasium and baths were also built in Orange, making it quite typical of a fairly large Roman city of the period.Orange also boasts a Roman triumphal arch which still stands at the original entrance to the town. It has been classified as a Unesco World Heritage site.It was erected in the time of Augustus as a tribute to the veterans of the Second Gallic Legion who founded the town of Orange. It has a monumental gateway with three openings and a richly decorated double attic.

 

The Orange Museum

 

LODGING

see the listing of the Hotels in Orange

 

PRACTICAL INFORMATIONS

84100 Orange

Situation:

The Roman Theatre is located in the centre of Orange, half an hour from Avignon.

Access:

– A7 and A9 motorway, Orange centre exit
– main road 7, Orange centre exit
– Bus from the railway station

Parking:

Car park close by.

Free coach parking : drivers need to show their reservation contract at the municipal security point.

January, February, November, December	from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
March, October	from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
April, May, September	from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
June, July, August	from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Opening hours may vary in the evenings due the rehearsals and shows.