Theatre Antique by aliante1981
The Roman theatre, begun by Augustus in the 1st century, was mostly destroyed, since its stones were considered prime building material for those who lived in Arles in the 5th century and later. Many of the churches of the time, in fact, had at least some stones from the Theatre Antique incorporated in them. So now just some of the seats and only two Corinthian columns (called the ?two widows?) remain. Here the famous Venus of Arles was discovered in 1651, during the works to recover the Theatre, for by the time it was completely hidden by residences and gardens. A copy of a masterpiece of Hellenistic statuary, Venus of Arles was broken into three pieces and armless when discovered. Arles offered it to Louis XIV, who naturally accepted it. And it was Louis XIV who had it restored. Today you can see it in the Louvre museum. There were other statues found, which are today on display in the Museum of Pagan Art.
In present days, the theatre of Arles was put to its original use: it stages Arles Festival that takes place each summer. Tickets for this should be bought well in advance. To reach the theater, take rue de la Calade from the city hall. 2.5 Euros for adults, 1.5 Euros for children. Open daily from 9 in the morning till 7 in the evening.
