Roman Theatre and Amphitheater of Mérida

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Starting Point

Roman Theater Ticket Office (Roman Theater Plaza). Mérida

Duration

1 hour

Tour Description

Keeping Roman citizens happy was essential for the Roman Empire, which is why they placed great importance on performance venues. Augusta Emerita, the capital of Lusitania, was no exception. To demonstrate this, our tour begins in the Plaza de Margarita Xirgu, where the theater and amphitheater complex is located.

The visit will begin by entering the Roman Theater and Amphitheater complex (inside). First, we will enter through the “vomitorium” to access the cavea/stands to learn how the spectators were distributed according to their social rank. Another notable part of this building is the “orchestra,” where the choir was located, as well as the stage, the place where the performances took place. Behind the stage, the majestic stage front rises, the most recognizable symbol of the city of Mérida.

We can’t forget the International Classical Theater Festival currently taking place in this building, which tells how it came to be and who created it. Next to the theater, we’ll also visit the remains of the Roman amphitheater, which, although not as large as the Colosseum in Rome, is equally impressive, as it was also the site of the famous gladiatorial fights.

We’ll enter the amphitheater arena to get an idea of ​​how these gladiatorial fights, so important and acclaimed by the citizens of the colony, took place. The fight between these gladiators became even more popular when wild beasts were added to the competition.