Art and culture 

Roman theatre of Mérida

The town of Mérida contains one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, of which the Roman theatre forms part.

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  2. Roman theatre of Mérida

A World Heritage Site and the town's main tourist attraction.


Location and Contact:

Plaza Margarita Xirgu s/n
06800 Mérida , Badajoz (Extremadura)
Opening times

April-September: 9am - 9pm.

October-March: 9am - 6:30pm.

Fee

Normal €12, reduced €6, groups €7.

More info: tickets

  • The town of Mérida contains one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, of which the Roman theatre forms part.

    Over the years 15 and 16 BC Marcus Agrippa promoted the construction of a theatre in the town of Augusta Emerita. A space that originally had a capacity for 6,000 spectators, and where the Romans enjoyed staged games.

    Towards the end of the 1st century AD and the beginning of the second century AD, the theatre was refurbished several times, and the current façade or stage front was built along with the road around the monument. The building is comprised of a semicircular grandstand made of Roman concrete and clad in granite. The stage for the performances is at the front, paved in marble, as well as three doors and several statues.

    The theatre and the amphitheatre are part of the archaeological site of Mérida, one of the most important and largest in Spain, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993.

    Every summer the theatre is the venue for the performances of the Mérida Classical Theatre Festival. An event that brings all the splendour and its original function back to this Roman building which can now seat 3,000 people.

  • Origin:
  • 1st century BC
  • Construction:
  • Theatre
  • Art period:
  • Roman
  • Period in history:
  • 1st century BC
  • 1st century
  • 2nd century
  • 3rd century
  • 4th century
  • 5th century
  • Official name :
  • World Heritage Site
  • Accessibility:

    • Disabled access
    • Accessible facilities and common areas

    Services:

    • Guided Tours

Gallery:

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