Tombeau De Turpio

Tombeau de Turpio Lyon: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in Lyon’s historic Saint-Just district, the Tombeau de Turpio stands as a compelling testament to the city’s Roman roots and the social transformations of late antiquity. This open-air funerary monument, dating to the 1st century CE, is part of the Necropolis of Trion—one of the most significant Roman burial grounds in France. The tomb commemorates Quintus Calvius Turpio, a freedman and Sevir Augustalis, reflecting the social mobility and multicultural fabric of Roman Lugdunum. Today, the site is accessible year-round, free of charge, inviting visitors to experience a tangible link to Lyon’s ancient past. (Patrimoine Lyon, History Hit, Mapcarta)

Introduction
Location and Setting
Historical and Archaeological Significance
Visiting Information
Visitor Experience and Tips
Integrating Tombeau de Turpio into Your Lyon Itinerary
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
Sources and Further Reading

Location and Setting

The Tombeau de Turpio is located at Place Eugène Wernert, in Lyon’s 5th arrondissement, below the Fourvière hill within the Saint-Just neighborhood (Solosophie; Le Bonbon). This tranquil square is surrounded by residential buildings and local cafés, offering a peaceful respite amid the urban landscape. The area is renowned for its collection of Roman-era landmarks, including the Gallo-Roman Museum, the Basilica of Saint-Just, and the Roman theatres of Fourvière (Mapcarta). Montée de Choulans and Jardin des Curiosités nearby provide panoramic city views.

Getting There:

Metro: Line D to “Vieux Lyon – Cathédrale Saint-Jean,” then a 15–20 minute uphill walk.
Funicular: F1 line from Vieux Lyon to “Saint-Just,” then a short walk.
Bus: Lines C20 and C21 to “Trion” or “Saint-Just” stops.
On Foot or Bicycle: The area can be reached from Old Town, but expect a steep climb; nearby Vélo’v stations are available (Solosophie).
Parking: Street parking is limited; public transport is recommended (Le Bonbon).

Historical and Archaeological Significance

Roman Lugdunum and the Necropolis of Trion

Lugdunum (ancient Lyon) was founded in 43 BCE and became a major urban center of Roman Gaul, strategically positioned at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Roman law mandated burials outside city walls, leading to the creation of impressive necropolises along key roads. The Necropolis of Trion, on the city’s western edge, was a prominent burial ground for the elite and freedmen, with tombs designed to be visible to travelers entering or exiting the city (History Hit).

Built of local limestone, the Tombeau de Turpio features a square base and barrel vaulting—hallmarks of Roman funerary architecture. The monument is adorned with Latin inscriptions and reliefs, including motifs like bull’s heads and decorative discs symbolizing strength and protection. The main tomb commemorates Quintus Calvius Turpio, a freedman who became a Sevir Augustalis, reflecting the upward mobility possible in the Roman provinces (Patrimoine Lyon). Inscriptions name his freedmen—Regilus, Chresimus, Murranus, Donatus, and Chrestus—as the monument’s dedicators.

Archaeological Discovery and Preservation

The mausoleums of Trion were unearthed in 1885 during railway construction. Of the ten discovered, five were carefully relocated and reassembled at Place Eugène Wernert to ensure their survival. Since 1905, they have been classified as Historic Monuments (Patrimoine Lyon). Today, three are visibly preserved on the square, providing valuable evidence of Roman funerary practice and the evolution of burial customs during the city’s Christianization (OpenTripMap).

Visiting Information

Visiting Hours and Admission

Open-air site in a public square: Accessible 24/7; best visited during daylight for safety and visibility.
Admission: Free—no tickets or reservations required (Nomads Travel Guide).
Guided Tours: Occasionally included in Roman Lyon walking tours; inquire at the Gallo-Roman Museum or local tourism offices.

Accessibility

Site: Level ground at street level with no steps or barriers around the tombs.
Surrounding area: Steep and cobbled streets may challenge those with limited mobility (Solosophie).
Facilities: No restrooms or visitor centers on-site, but nearby cafés and bakeries provide amenities (Le Bonbon).

Visitor Experience and Tips

On-Site Experience

Set in the leafy Place Eugène Wernert, the Tombeau de Turpio is a modest yet striking monument featuring original Latin inscriptions. Benches and trees offer a serene setting for reflection. On-site interpretation is limited to a single plaque; for deeper insights, combine your visit with the Gallo-Roman Museum (Solosophie).

Best Times to Visit

Spring and early summer: Enjoy mild weather and blooming cherry trees.
Early morning or late afternoon: Softer light for photography and fewer visitors.

Nearby Attractions

Gallo-Roman Museum and Theatres: Major Roman sites with exhibitions and live performances.
Basilica of Saint-Justus: Historic church nearby.
Jardin des Curiosités: Scenic park with panoramic city views.
Vieux Lyon: Explore medieval streets and Renaissance “traboules.”

Visitor Conduct

Respect the monument: Do not climb on or damage the structure.
Quiet atmosphere: The square is residential; keep noise to a minimum.
Photography: Permitted, particularly beautiful during golden hours.

Practical Considerations

Weather: Lyon’s climate is temperate; summers can be hot, so bring water.
Family-friendly: Suitable for families; supervise children near the monument and roads.

Integrating Tombeau de Turpio into Your Lyon Itinerary

The Tombeau de Turpio fits naturally into a broader exploration of Lyon’s Roman and medieval heritage. Consider the following itinerary:

Morning: Visit Fourvière Basilica for city views, then the Gallo-Roman amphitheater and museum.
Midday: Explore the Tombeau de Turpio and enjoy lunch at a local café.
Afternoon: Discover the Thermes Antiques, stroll through Vieux Lyon, or relax in Jardin des Curiosités (Dabbling in Jetlag, Passport Collective).

For deeper engagement, join a guided Roman Lyon walking tour or use digital resources from the Lugdunum Museum.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there an admission fee?
No, the Tombeau de Turpio is free to visit.

What are the opening hours?
The site is open-air and accessible 24/7, but visiting during daylight is recommended.

Is the site wheelchair accessible?
The tomb is at street level, but surrounding hilly terrain may be challenging.

Are guided tours available?
Some local guides include the tomb in broader Roman Lyon tours.

Can I take photographs?
Yes, photography is permitted and encouraged.

Are there facilities on-site?
No restrooms or visitor centers; amenities are available nearby.

Where can I learn more about Lyon’s Roman history?
Visit the Lugdunum Museum or consult resources like the Audiala app.

Conclusion

The Tombeau de Turpio offers a fascinating glimpse into Lyon’s Roman heritage and social history. Its accessible, open-air location, free admission, and integration with other major archaeological sites make it an essential stop for anyone interested in antiquity. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a family traveler, or simply curious, this monument provides a unique, tranquil window into the city’s ancient world. Enhance your visit by exploring nearby Roman and medieval landmarks, and consider using the Audiala app for audio guides and up-to-date information.