Roman Pyramid

Vienne, France

The Roman Pyramid in Vienne is an emblematic building of the architectural heritage of the city together with the Roman Theatre. It is an unique remain of a Roman circus, where racing took place.

The pyramid was the central building of the Roman 'circus maximus'. The 25 meters high obelisk stood in the center of the sand track. Its location on an axial platform (Spina) was confirmed by excavations in the nineteenth and at beginning of twelfth century.

Copy of 'circus maximus' of Rome, the archaeologists believe that it could accommodate between fifteen thousand to twenty thousand spectators. The pyramid of Vienne was long called 'the needle' by the population. Popular legends are even say that here is the tomb of Pontius Pilate who, after being governor of Judea, died in exile in Vienne.

References:

bontourism.com

Address

Rond-Point de la Pyramide 20-22, Vienne, France

See all sites in Vienne

Details

Founded: 100-200 AD
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in France
Historical period: Roman Gaul (France)

More Information

www.triphistoric.com
www.vienne-tourisme.com

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Temple of Augustus and Livia (1,1 km)
Roman Theatre (1,3 km)
Archeological Garden of Cybèle (1,1 km)
Vienne Cathedral (1 km)
St. Peter's Church (0,8 km)
Saint-Romain-en-Gal (1,4 km)
St-André-le-Bas Church (1,3 km)

Hôtel de Ville (28 km)
Lyon Cathedral (27,4 km)
Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon (28 km)
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviére (27,6 km)
Historic Site of Lyons (27 km)
Metallic tower of Fourviére (27,7 km)
Temple du Change (27,8 km)
Église Saint-Polycarpe (28,3 km)
Saint-Bonaventure Church (27,5 km)

User Reviews

Cédric B (3 years ago)
Very nice stay in La Pyramide, nice & cleaned room and of course very nice food ! I recommend it !

Damien (3 years ago)
Amazing restaurant & hotel! Worth the stop. Well done to the whole team.

May Burrough (3 years ago)
a real french spectacle - taken on a journey through food. formal service and nouveau riche terrasse making it a very smart establishment with good food

david zorab (3 years ago)
the hotel was delightful. The staff made you feel welcome. the food incredibly good

Chris (3 years ago)
Attentive staff without the fuss. Chefs tasting menu superb as is the pricing. A Hotel & Restaurant I would happily return again and again.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historical Gems of Costa Verde

Photo from Flickr, copyright Mark1792

Historic Site of the week

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Palace was built in the period 1606-34 as Christian IV’s summerhouse just outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace and often stayed at the castle when he resided in Copenhagen, and it was here that he died in 1648. After his death, the palace passed to his son King Frederik III, who together with his queen, Sophie Amalie, carried out several types of modernisation.

The last king who used the place as a residence was Frederik IV, and around 1720, Rosenborg was abandoned in favor of Frederiksborg Palace.Through the 1700s, considerable art treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle, among other things items from the estates of deceased royalty and from Christiansborg after the fire there in 1794.

Soon the idea of a museum arose, and that was realised in 1833, which is The Royal Danish Collection’s official year of establishment.