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Archaeological site · Mérida, Extremadura
Anfiteatro Romano de Mérida
Amphitheatre from 8 BC, next to the theatre, where about 15,000 people watched gladiatorial and animal combats, with the arena and central trench exposed.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Anfiteatro Romano de Mérida
The Anfiteatro de Mérida was inaugurated in 8 BC, a few years after the theatre, next to it. It was the venue for Rome’s most popular spectacles: gladiator fights, hunts of wild animals and combats between men and beasts. It held about 15,000 people.
The building is elliptical, about 126 metres on its major axis, and part of the seating takes advantage of the slope of the ground. What you see today is mainly the lower part: the arena, the walls that separated it from the public and the main entrances, with the tunnels through which gladiators and animals entered.
In the centre of the arena is the fossa, a cross-shaped pit covered with planks in Roman times, used to store scenery and perhaps to hoist animals and people into the performance. Paintings found on the arena wall show fighting scenes.
Near the amphitheatre is the Casa do Anfiteatro, with mosaics, and other remains of Roman houses, included on the same ticket.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 to 45 minutes.
Best time
Early in the morning, together with the theatre. In summer, avoid midday: there is no shade in the arena.
How to get there
It is next to the Teatro Romano, on Plaza Margarita Xirgu, with the same entrance, a 10-minute walk from Plaza de España.
Tip
Go through the entrance tunnels to imagine the arrival of the gladiators. Bring a hat and water. The Casa do Anfiteatro, with mosaics, is a few steps away and is included on the same ticket.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Anfiteatro Romano de Mérida
How many people did the amphitheatre hold?
About 15,000 spectators.
What is the difference between the theater and the amphitheater?
The theater hosted plays; the amphitheater held gladiator fights and animal combats.
What was the pit in the middle of the arena used for?
To store sets and equipment for performances; it was covered with planks.