Théâtre Gallo Romain du Vieux Poitiers

Located at the confluence of the Vienne and Clain rivers, the ancient town of Vetus Pictavis dates back almost 2000 years. Covering an area of almost 80 hectares, it dates back to the time of Emperor Augustus. To the south-east, the 10,000-seat theater, 116 metres in diameter, offers a gigantic view of the ancient monuments of that era. Gallo-Romans from the town and surrounding area came to watch the artists perform in the orchestra (performance space). Around the theater, you'll find a wealth of evidence of the city's intense life: a well-designed grid of streets, houses, temples and a craftsman's quarter, complete with potters' kilns. The whole complex was located along the Poitiers-Tours Roman road, an essential location for trade with Rome. The town was destroyed by fire towards the end of the 2nd century. Menhir with Celtic inscription in carac