Roman Theatre of Orange

One of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, built in the 1st century AD in Orange (ancient Colonia Arausio), Vaucluse, France. It seated approximately 9,000 spectators in a cavea built into St. Eutrope hill. The massive scaenae frons (stage wall) measures 103 m long, 37 m high, and 1.8 m thick -- called by Louis XIV "the most beautiful wall in my kingdom". A 3.5 m statue of Augustus dominates the central niche. UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. Restoration began in 1825, and the annual Choregies d'Orange opera festival originated from performances here in 1869.