Roman Theater, Merida, Spain, a Must See
It is worth time, money and effort visiting the partially reconstructed Amphitheater and Roman Theater Merida for all history buffs! Probably during 15th and 16th BC Romans enjoyed staged games in these theaters.
The semicircular grandstand made of Roman concrete and clad in granite is most impressive of all sights here. In 1993 UNESCO declared this site as world heritage site. This site is significant enough to be included in top 10 historical sites of Spain.
Merida is designated World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993.
History of Roman Site in Merida
One of the best preserved Roman site in Spain is Merida! It dates back to 25 BC and was one of the most important Roman cities of that era. In 713AD it was conquered by Muslim army.
Most of the old buildings were reused; they made very few alterations and additions to the existing city. The city came under Christian rule in 1290 and was ruthlessly defaced during 19th century under Napoleon invasion .
Many monuments came crumbling down. After this came the period of industrialization and the city almost lost all its old charm.
Today one can see many parts are just crumbling off. Amphitheater and Roman Theater both are must see for all Roman history lovers.
Amphitheater at Merida
While there, I was excited to think that once upon a time the gladiators fought in this same arena! Fast forward many centuries, “today I find myself walking these historic grounds.” my mind raced.
The Amphitheater was built in 8BC with a seating capacity of 15,000 spectators. It has been restored well to give a near real look, only the action is missing. Plenty of signs and display of information all around the site that made it easy for us without a guide.
Most exciting experience was the walk through the tunnels in semi darkness. It was like time travel.
Again, the best part of the visit was that there was less tourist crowd. Nor were there any functions for the day.
Roman Theater Merida
Adjacent to the Amphitheater is the Roman theater which is used for summer festival. The Roman Theater is much more beautiful than the Amphitheater particularly because of the tall white marble pillars still standing strong.
This theater was constructed in 8BC and had much lesser seating arrangement, counting to may be 6000 spectators. The seating arrangement of Roman Theater Merida Spain was in three sectors, caveas summa, media, and ima.
Caveas ima was for the people belonging to higher strata of society. Great view indeed from this sector! In those days seating determined the social status of people. Slaves and very poor people sat on the last rows in the top.
Roman Theater Merida is much older than the Amphitheater there. However with passing of time, over the centuries, Roman Theater slipped into a state of ruin and oblivion. In 1910, archeologists excavated the Roman theater where only top few steps were visible.
These days the theater is the venue for International Festival of the Classical Theater in Merida. So, you can plan a visit here in summers to witness the gala event!
Most noteworthy statue in Roman Theater Merida is that of Livia, placed over the main door. She was wife of Emperor Augustus. The statue was discovered during last century, in February of 1911.
Livia was known as the Goddess Ceres, goddess of agriculture. The sculpture that I saw there is just a copy; the original statue of Livia is kept in National Museum of Roman Art.
Also on both sides there are several statues. They are representation of Serapis, Greek Egyptian God of healing and Pluto, god of underworld according to Roman mythology.
How to reach Roman Theater Merida Spain:
From Seville 192km 2h approx by car. (4h 45min by train, 3h by bus.) The distance from Madrid it is 340kms. 3hrs approx by car. Trains run to Merida from both Seville and Madrid.
Tickets to Roman Theater:
Adults – 12euros, Students – 6euros, Children below 12 – free
Theaters are open daily.
What a lovely and thought provoking post. So interesting that the city survived the Muslim and Christian rule, and it was Napoleon who destroyed it much later. It’s nice to see some restoration to bring back the lost glory…
By the way, I didn’t know there were many Roman cities in Spain…googling now 🙂
The Amphitheater and Roman Theater would be an incredible place to visit in Merida – I’m the same as you, when I visit these ancient sites my mind races and tries to reimagine the activity and excitement which would have taken place at the height of its day. Definitely just as well preserved as ruins you would find in Rome itself – especially the statue of Livia. Your picture of arched columns against blue sky is stunning – great capture!
I love seeing Roman architecture….outside of Rome! It’s quite amazing how far the Roman Empire spread. I haven’t been to Spain but would love to see it – I loved Rome itself!
I have not seen much of Spain, just Barcelona and all the touristy places! But Merida looks so interesting especially the Roman Theater Merida. I will have to take a trip to see all the history there.
I sometimes forget that the Romans were in Spain, although I’ve been to Roman Ruins at Tarragona which are quite spectacular too! I’ve not visited Merida yet, but will definitely add it to my list!
Thanks for sharing this informative post! I really love visiting amazing historical places like Roman Theater. I really love all of the pictures, they are nicely captured. Thanks for sharing this interesting post.
An amazing place. I’d heard of Merida, but I hadn’t ever seen photos of the place – it really is a very significant Roman site and I’ll definitely try to visit!
Being Italian it always surprises me to find Roman ruins and sites also in far away places. But I didn’t know about Merida at all! The Amphiteater looks a bit like the ones in Pompeii, but there you can’t walk through the tunnels: what an incredible experience it must have been!
I seriously couldn’t believe that was Spain, I had to double take. It shows how far the Romans got in conquering Europe! I can’t remember whether I saw Merida when young, either way I will have to head out there again!
This is indeed such a wonderful read in the morn Dear 🙂
Hi Uma, Traveling is mostly during vacations of kids. I keep posting on the places visited slowly. 🙂
Beautiful. Curious – How do you get to travel so much?
I love Spain and Roman monuments.
Greetings from Poland.
Lucia
It was a fabulous tour with you Indrani..through your wonderful picture blogs of pictursque Ampitheatre ,Roman Theatre at Merida Spain dating back 8BC and 25BC with so much of history going with it. Incredible.
A city seeped in history…the amphitheater is spectacular even among the ruins…pics are in HD! Superb!
Thanks for this tour Indrani,amphitheater-those dark tunnels pull at me.
Interesting article. Thanks for sharing. And the pictures are superb 🙂
Sounds like to be a great entertainment theater and amazing viewer’s gallery! The sculptures are beautiful
Interesting article, Indrani. Thanks for sharing.:)
Amphitheatres were magnum but cruel too….awesome captures 🙂
Thanks friends for the comments.
Hi Yogiji, I also wrote during Napoleon invasion the city was badly defaced, probably the statues were damaged then. I am not sure though.
We too are traveling with you in Spain . Thank you Indrani ji for beieng with here on this portal . You wrote – The statue over the main door was found in February 1911. It represents Livia, the wife of Emperor Augustus. She is represented as the goddess Ceres, goddess of agriculture. The sculpture is just a copy; the original is kept in National Museum of Roman Art. On both sides there are several statues. They are representation of Serapls, Greek Egyptian God of healing, Pluto, god of underworld according to Roman mythology.why these statues are headless ?
Awesome indeed! Thank you Indrani, for taking us there…
I wanna go I wanna go….. 😀
Lovely!!!!
This is such a beautiful place with such diversified history. Well presented dear 🙂
Beautiful Photographs and crisp Narrative! Thanks for sharing..
A lot of what you have shared reminds me of Rome. Design and architecture very similar.
Absolutely gorgeous place! That blue sky… just pops and makes everything stand out against it so perfectly.
Informative post with lovely pictures 🙂
Thanks for bring to our attention such a fantastic piece of history…
Amphitheatres evoke a strong sense of imagination, where games, blood & gore went hand in hand. Thanks for sharing the pics Indrani
what an amazing place with such rich history… reminded me of Rome 🙂
What a fascinating place! I hope it can be saved for future generations.
Great captures, Indrani. Like the way you give some historical facts associated with pics. 🙂
Beautiful pictures from the past. Great narration.
The Rome stands top on the list when coming to the entertainment. All their theatres are astonishing. Thank you for this amazing post Indrani 🙂
Hello,
Some good relationship with Spain. I am delighted
Dreamlike images.
Have a nice weekend.
Greetings from Poland.
Lucia
What history! Wonderful that so much is still there!
Looks very interesting and your pictures are very good ! I have once been in Spain a long time ago, we have always preferred Italy !
This place actually stood the test of time. Will add it to my Europe wishlist.
Hello, this is just an amazing place to visit. The theater and the statues are awesome. Thanks for sharing your visit. Have a happy weekend!
so cool to see it 🙂
Important, post. Thank You
Awesome post and photos for the day, Indrani!! Fascinating history! Thank you so much for sharing!! Hope you have a great weekend!! Enjoy!