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Lugdunum: Journey to Roman Lyon

Explore Lyon's Roman past at Lugdunum: Discover ancient artifacts, stunning mosaics, and the fascinating history of Lugdunum in an architectural marvel on Fourvière Hill.

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Delve into Lyon's captivating Roman past at Lugdunum, the Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière. Nestled on Fourvière Hill, this museum, designed by Bernard Zehrfuss, seamlessly blends into the landscape, offering a unique subterranean experience. Explore an extensive collection of artifacts, including mosaics, sculptures, and the renowned Claudius Tablet, which unveils the city's rich history as Lugdunum, a vital Roman capital. Wander through exhibits showcasing daily life, religious practices, and the artistic achievements of the era. The museum's innovative design, with its spiral ramp and integration with the adjacent Roman theaters, creates an immersive and unforgettable journey through time, appealing to history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Don't miss the opportunity to discover Lyon's ancient roots in this exceptional setting.

A brief summary to Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière

  • Tuesday 11 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-6 pm
  • Friday 11 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Combine your museum visit with a stroll through the adjacent Roman theaters for a complete immersion into Lyon's Gallo-Roman history.
  • Visit on the first Sunday of the month for free admission to the museum.
  • Take advantage of the audio guides available in multiple languages to enhance your understanding of the exhibits.
  • Check the museum's website for temporary exhibitions and special events that may coincide with your visit.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's extensive collection and appreciate its unique architecture.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), take the funicular (F1 or F2) up to Fourvière. The F1 funicular goes to Saint-Just, get off at Minimes and walk a short distance. The F2 funicular goes directly to Fourvière. From either funicular stop, follow signs for the Musée Gallo-Romain. A single ticket for the funicular is around €1.90, and is valid for transfers within one hour. Tickets can be purchased at the Vieux Lyon metro station.

  • Bus

    Several bus lines stop near the Gallo-Roman Museum. Bus lines C14, 27, or 31 will take you to the Fourvière stop, which is a short walk from the museum. A single ticket costs around €2.20 if purchased on the bus, or €1.90 if purchased in advance.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from central Lyon to the Gallo-Roman Museum will cost approximately €15-€25, depending on traffic and the specific location of your starting point.

  • Driving

    If driving, be aware that parking near the museum is limited. There is a parking garage on Rue Roger Radisson, near the museum. On-street parking is also available, but it is paid parking Monday to Saturday, 9:00 to 19:00. Parking costs around €2.00 for 1 hour and €6.00 for 2 hours. Free parking is available in green zones, which are a 5 minute walk away. Parking is free on public holidays.

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Discover more about Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière

Lugdunum, the Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière, offers a captivating journey into the heart of Roman Gaul, showcasing the rich history and cultural legacy of Lyon (Lugdunum) during its time as a prominent Roman city. Situated on Fourvière Hill, the very site where the Roman city was founded in 43 B.C., the museum provides an immersive experience, blending seamlessly with the surrounding archaeological park and offering panoramic views of modern Lyon. The museum's unique architecture, designed by Bernard Zehrfuss and opened in 1975, is a marvel in itself. Zehrfuss ingeniously "buried" the building into the hillside, creating a subterranean concrete structure that respects the ancient environment. This design choice ensures that the museum remains almost invisible from the outside, allowing the Roman theaters and other archaeological remains to take center stage. The interior is equally impressive, featuring a concrete spiral ramp that descends and branches out into the display rooms, guiding visitors through a chronological exploration of Lugdunum's history. As you descend into this "underground concrete cathedral," you'll encounter a wealth of artifacts and exhibits that bring the Gallo-Roman era to life. The museum's collection is one of the finest in France, encompassing all aspects of public and private life in an imperial capital. From urban planning and municipal administration to the army, currency, religions, circus games, and trade, the exhibits offer a comprehensive overview of life in Lugdunum. Among the museum's not-to-miss masterpieces is the Lyon Tablet, discovered in 1528, which reproduces in bronze the speech that Emperor Claudius, born in Lyon, gave to support Gallic participation in the Senate in Rome in the year 48. This tablet provides invaluable insight into the political and social dynamics of the Roman Empire and Lyon's role within it. Another highlight is the enigmatic Gallic calendar, one of the longest documents in the Celtic language currently existing. This calendar offers a glimpse into the beliefs and timekeeping practices of the Gauls who inhabited the region before and during Roman rule. The museum also boasts an exceptional collection of inscriptions, statue bases, and epitaphs – one of the largest in France – which serves as an invaluable resource for understanding the inhabitants of Lugdunum and their daily activities. Visitors can also admire the intricate mosaic floors, including the so-called "Swastika Mosaic," which they are able to walk on, providing a tangible connection to the past. Other notable artifacts include: * The silver Lyon cup, decorated with images of Gallic gods. * Fragments of the decoration of the Altar of Rome and Augustus, from the federal sanctuary of the three Gauls. * Large mosaics such as the Mosaïque de Bacchus. * The Taurobolic Altar, dedicated in 160 to restore the health of Antoninus Pius. * Many large Dionysiac sarcophagi, including the Sarcophagus of the Triumph of Bacchus. * The Lyon-Vaise Hoard of dishes, jewellery and silver statuettes buried during a 3rd-century Germanic invasion. * The Circus Mosaic, discovered in the Ainay district in 1806, shows a circus during a chariot race, making it one of the few ancient representations of such a race. Beyond its permanent collections, Lugdunum also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year, further enriching the visitor experience and providing new perspectives on Gallo-Roman civilization. The museum also offers educational workshops and interactive displays, making it an engaging destination for visitors of all ages. Located adjacent to the Gallo-Roman Museum are the ancient Roman theaters of Fourvière, which once accommodated thousands of spectators and continue to host cultural events today. A visit to the theaters complements the museum experience, providing a tangible connection to the performing arts and public life of Roman Lyon. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about the past, Lugdunum offers an unforgettable journey through time, revealing the captivating story of Lyon's Roman origins and its enduring legacy as a cultural and historical center.

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