Fourviere Hill and the Roman Theatres Tourism

Type of destination: Historical landmark

Ideal visit duration: Half day to full day

Fourviere Hill, known as 'the hill that prays' due to its religious sites, offers panoramic views of Lyon, France. It is famous for its ancient Roman theatres and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. The hill was the original site of the Roman city of Lugdunum, founded in 43 BC. Its Gallo-Roman theatres include the Grand Theatre, the oldest Roman theatre in France dating back to 15 BC, and the Odeon that hosted musical performances. Both theatres have been partially restored and are used for cultural events like the Nuits de Fourvière festival. The metallic tower of Fourvière, resembling a smaller version of the Eiffel Tower, and the basilica are other prominent landmarks on the hill. The area is a testament to Lyon's rich history and is a favored tourist spot contributing to its UNESCO World Heritage status.