Roman Theatre & Amphitheatre of Mérida
Teatro y Anfiteatro Romano de Mérida
A first-century BC Roman theatre with its stage colonnade well preserved, still hosting classical drama in summer, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mérida, known in antiquity as Augusta Emerita, was the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania. Its archaeological complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Roman Theatre was built in 16–15 BC and holds about 6,000 people. Its two-tiered marble colonnade and the monumental stage backdrop are magnificent. Next door, the amphitheatre once hosted gladiator fights.
Every July and August, the Mérida International Classical Theatre Festival stages performances in the theatre, and the evening shows have a superb atmosphere. A combined ticket gives access to several other ruins.
Mérida is about 70 kilometres from Cáceres, roughly one hour by train or bus.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–18:30 (winter) / 09:00–21:00 (summer)
Nearby sights
- National Museum of Roman Art
- Los Columbarios
- Portico of the Municipal Forum
- Temple of Diana, Mérida
- Casa del Mitreo
- Acueducto de San Lázaro
- Basilica of Saint Eulalia (Mérida)
- Roman Circus of Mérida