Roman Theatre and its Surroundings and the "Triumphal Arch" of Orange in France

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Théatre Antique d'Orange - Culture Espaces Web Site (Culture Espaces)
Chorégies d'Orange
Ville d'Orange
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection
Orange, Ville Romaine en Provence (Office de Tourisme)

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1981
Size of heritage: 9.45 ha
- Buffer zone: 232 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 4,808°
Latitude: 44,136°

Summary

Situated in the Rhone valley, the ancient theatre of Orange, with its 103-m-long facade, is one of the best preserved of all the great Roman theatres. Built between A.D. 10 and 25, the Roman arch is one of the most beautiful and interesting surviving examples of a provincial triumphal arch from the reign of Augustus. It is decorated with low reliefs commemorating the establishment of the Pax Romana.

Location on Map

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Roman Theatre and its Surroundings and the Triumphal Arch of Orange

The Roman Theatre and its Surroundings and the Triumphal Arch of Orange are two remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites located in the Department of Vaucluse, in the Region of Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur, France. These ancient structures are a testament to the rich history and architectural prowess of the Roman Empire.

History

The Roman Theatre of Orange, also known as Théâtre Antique d'Orange, was built in the 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Augustus. It was originally used for theatrical performances and could accommodate up to 10,000 spectators. The theatre fell into disuse during the Middle Ages but was rediscovered and restored in the 19th century. Today, it is one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world and continues to host cultural events and performances.

The Triumphal Arch of Orange, or Arc de Triomphe d'Orange, was constructed in the early 1st century AD to honor the veterans of the Gallic Wars. It served as a monumental entrance to the city and was adorned with intricate reliefs depicting scenes from Roman military victories. The arch also fell into disrepair but was restored in the 19th century. It stands as a magnificent example of Roman triumphal arch architecture.

Current State

The Roman Theatre of Orange is an awe-inspiring structure that has stood the test of time. Its massive stage wall, adorned with decorative elements and statues, is still intact. The seating area, divided into three tiers, offers a glimpse into the grandeur of Roman entertainment. The theatre's acoustics are exceptional, allowing for excellent sound projection even without modern amplification. Today, the theatre hosts various performances, including operas, concerts, and theatrical productions, attracting visitors from around the world.

The Triumphal Arch of Orange, located near the theatre, is equally impressive. Standing at over 19 meters high, it is adorned with intricate carvings depicting Roman military victories and scenes from daily life. The arch has undergone extensive restoration, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Visitors can admire the arch's grandeur and learn about its historical significance through informative displays.

Both the Roman Theatre and the Triumphal Arch of Orange are not only architectural marvels but also provide valuable insights into the cultural and historical significance of the Roman Empire. They serve as reminders of the empire's influence and power in the region. The sites are meticulously maintained, allowing visitors to experience the grandeur of ancient Roman architecture and immerse themselves in the rich history of the area.

Visiting the Roman Theatre and its Surroundings and the Triumphal Arch of Orange is a truly captivating experience. The combination of well-preserved structures, informative displays, and the opportunity to witness live performances in the ancient theatre creates a unique and immersive journey into the past. These UNESCO World Heritage sites are a must-visit for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone seeking to explore the wonders of the Roman Empire.

Hotels and places to stay

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Hotel Arène

Address
Distance: 0,1 mi
Place Langes 2
84100 Orange
France

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

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Hôtel Lou Cigaloun

Address
Distance: 0,2 mi
4 Rue Caristie
84100 Orange
France

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

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Le Glacier Logis

Address
Distance: 0,2 mi
46, cours Aristide Briand
84100 Orange
France

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 13:00
Reception
Weekday: 13:00 - 22:00
Weekend: 13:00 - 22:00

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Kyriad Orange Centre

Address
Distance: 0,3 mi
Avenue de l Arc de Triomphe 86
84100 Orange
France

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

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Brit Hotel Le Louvre

Address
Distance: 0,5 mi
Avenue Frederic Mistral 89
84100 Orange
France

Time Information

Checkout: 11:30 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 7:00 - 21:00
Weekend: closed

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Saint-Florent

Address
Distance: 0,1 mi
4 Rue Du Mazeau
84100 Orange
France

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 16:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

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L'Herbier d'Orange

Address
Distance: 0,1 mi
8 place aux herbes
84100 Orange
France

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

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Hotel Saint Jean

Address
Distance: 0,1 mi
1 Cours Pourtoules
84100 Orange
France

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

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L'A Propos

Address
Distance: 0,3 mi
15 Avenue Frederic Mistral
84100 Orange
France

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

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Villa de l'Arc

Address
Distance: 0,4 mi
13 Rond-Point de l Arc de Triomphe
84100 Orange
France

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 16:30
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

Orange Tourisme - Zoom sur Orange

Published: February 24, 2014
Length: 09:04 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Office de Tourisme ORANGE

Orange recèle à elle seule et entre autres merveilles, deux monuments classés "monument mondial". Mais c'est aussi sa vocation de cité vivante et gourmande qui en fait un séjour spécialement...