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

Damien (2 years ago)
Amazing restaurant & hotel! Worth the stop. Well done to the whole team.

May Burrough (2 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 (2 years ago)
the hotel was delightful. The staff made you feel welcome. the food incredibly good

Chris (2 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

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historical Gems of Costa Verde

Timeless Treasures of Wales

Photo from Flickr, copyright Fagerjord

Historic Site of the week

Santa Maria in Trastevere

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches of Rome. The basic floor plan and wall structure of the church date back to the 340s, and much of the structure to 1140-43. The first sanctuary was built in 221 and 227 by Pope Callixtus I and later completed by Pope Julius I.

The inscription on the episcopal throne states that this is the first church in Rome dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus, although some claim that privilege belongs to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. A Christian house-church was founded here about 220 by Pope Saint Callixtus I (217-222) on the site of the Taberna meritoria, a refuge for retired soldiers. The area was made available for Christian use by Emperor Alexander Severus when he settled a dispute between the Christians and tavern-keepers.

The church underwent two restorations in the fifth and eighth centuries and in 1140-43 it was re-erected on its old foundations under Pope Innocent II.