Roman Theatre in Arles

Historic Site and Roman Site in Arles

Roman theater in Arles
Roman theater in Arles
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Bokeby

In the heart of Arles' old town, just steps from the mighty amphitheatre, lies the Roman Theatre - one of the top sights in Arles and a window into the city's imperial past. Built in the 1st century during the reign of Caesar Augustus, this ancient monument once dazzled audiences with dramatic performances and lavish spectacles. Though time has softened its grandeur, the theatre's remaining columns, terraces, and stage fragments continue to evoke the splendor of Rome's golden age.

Visiting the Roman Theatre today offers a fascinating glimpse into the social and cultural life of ancient Arles. Once capable of seating 8,000 spectators, it remains a place where history feels alive - a great place to visit on a walking tour of Arles that links the city's Roman legacy to its artistic spirit.

History and Significance of the Roman Theatre

Constructed around 10 BC under Emperor Augustus, the Roman Theatre of Arles was one of the earliest stone theatres built in Roman Gaul. Together with the nearby amphitheatre and baths, it symbolized Arles' status as a flourishing Roman colony, known as Arelate. Its design followed the classic Roman model: a semicircular seating area (cavea), a stage (scaena), and an orchestra pit for musicians. Originally, 33 tiers of seats rose in elegant symmetry, framed by marble columns and adorned with statues, creating an atmosphere of grandeur and civic pride.

In its prime, the theatre hosted comedies, tragedies, musical performances, and political ceremonies - the heart of Roman social life. But with the fall of the Empire, the theatre's fate changed. During the Middle Ages, it was repurposed as a stone quarry, its materials used to build Arles' defensive walls and medieval structures. Excavations in the 17th century uncovered what remained of its foundation, and in 1651, workers discovered the famed Venus of Arles - a marble statue that became one of the Louvre's prized classical treasures. This rediscovery reignited interest in Arles' Roman past and helped establish the theatre as one of the must-see places in Arles for lovers of archaeology and history.

Things to See and Do in the Roman Theatre

Despite its partial ruin, the Roman Theatre of Arles remains deeply atmospheric. Visitors can walk among the ancient seating tiers, imagine the crowds that once gathered here, and admire the surviving stage foundations. The two standing Corinthian columns, often called “the twins,” rise majestically above the site - silent witnesses to nearly 2,000 years of history.

Interpretive panels and guided-tours reveal the site's evolution and highlight its role in Roman urban design. During summer, the theatre springs back to life as a cultural venue for open-air concerts, plays, and dance performances, allowing modern audiences to experience its timeless acoustics. This spot is one of the best places to see in Arles for those who love to blend history with live performance and atmosphere.

How to Get There

The Roman Theatre is located at Rue du Cloître, in the heart of Arles' historic center, just a short walk from the Arles Arena. From Arles railway station, it’s a 10-minute stroll along Boulevard des Lices and Rue du Cloître. For those arriving by car, parking is conveniently available at Parking du Centre or Parking des Lices, both within easy walking distance.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Roman Theatre

  • Best time to visit the Roman Theatre: Spring and early summer for pleasant weather and events.
  • Entrance fee: Full price: 9 € Reduced price: 7 €.
  • Opening hours: 01/03 to 30/04: daily between 9 am and 6 pm. 01/05 to 30/09: daily between 9 am and 7 pm. 01/10 to 31/10: daily between 9 am and 6 pm. 02/11 to 01/03: daily between 10.30 am and 4.30 pm. Closed January 1st, May 1st & December 25th.
  • Official website:
  • How long to spend: About 45 minutes to explore the site and read interpretive panels.
  • Accessibility: Partially accessible; uneven terrain in some areas.
  • Facilities: Restrooms and visitor information nearby.
  • Photography tip: Capture the twin columns at sunset for dramatic light and contrast.
  • Guided tours: Available daily; check schedules at the tourist office.
  • Nearby food options: Plenty of cafés and bistros on Rue de la Calade and Place du Forum.

Is the Roman Theatre Worth Visiting?

Yes - the Roman Theatre is one of the things to do in Arles that perfectly complements a visit to the amphitheatre and cloister. It offers an evocative sense of how art, politics, and public life intertwined in Roman times. Standing among its ruins, you can almost hear the echoes of ancient applause carried by the Provençal breeze.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (2,440)

Roman Theatre of Arles at 1 Rue du Cloître is a 1st‑century Roman amphitheater that once held thousands and today invites visitors to wander among the ruins, with some seating rows and stage fragments still visible; visitors praise the ability to explore the site freely, enjoy informative displays or a short video, and imagine performances there, while some say the remains are limited so the visit can be brief.

Eileen Weed
4 weeks ago
"Excellent place to co ect with the ancient culture of Arles, the Roman theatre of Arles. The video is enlightening, and then it is interesting towander around the area of ruins at leisure. Recommended! It was covered in the Advantage Pass, which is a great deal!..."
Maya
4 months ago
"This is very interesting if you're in Arles, we visited around Mid- June and it was not that busy but definitely active amongst the town. The townitself had a lovely feel to it and it has a lot of history behind it which is so so interesting to delve into. It is definitely worth a stop if you ever find yourself in Arles as there is a walking route with so much information and history behind it. The town itself carries so much meaning behind each monument...."
Shaodun Lin
a month ago
"The Roman Theatre of Arles is an ancient site dating back to the 1st century BC, known for its historical value and its role in the city’s Romanheritage. Once a grand structure that hosted performances and public gatherings, today only parts of the original architecture remain, including a few seating rows and fragments of the stage area. From my personal experience, the site is not interested compared to many other historical attractions in Arles. There isn’t much left to see, and the overall visit is quite brief. While the history behind the theatre is undeniably rich, the physical remains are limited, and the space doesn’t offer many engaging features or detailed exhibits. If you’re short on time or prioritizing highlights, this may be one attraction you can skip. Those deeply interested in archaeology or Roman ruins might still appreciate it, but for most visitors, the value may not justify the visit...."

Nearby Attractions to the Roman Theatre

The Roman Theatre in Arles appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Arles!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

01/03 to 30/04: daily between 9 am and 6 pm.

01/05 to 30/09: daily between 9 am and 7 pm.

01/10 to 31/10: daily between 9 am and 6 pm.

02/11 to 01/03: daily between 10.30 am and 4.30 pm.

Closed January 1st, May 1st & December 25th.

Price:

Full price: 9 € Reduced price: 7 €.

Address: Roman Theatre of Arles, Rue du Cloître, Arles, France
Arles: 0 km

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