01/10/2026
The Roman Theatre of Mérida is one of the best preserved Roman theatres in the world. It stands in the city of Mérida, in the region of Extremadura, in western Spain. Mérida was founded by the Romans in 25 BC with the name Emerita Augusta, and it became one of the most important cities of Roman Spain. The theatre was built around 16 to 15 BC and could hold about 6,000 people. Today it is the symbol of the city and the most famous part of the Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.
What to See
The most impressive part is the stage wall, called the scaenae frons. It has two levels of tall marble columns with statues between them, and it looks much as it did in Roman times. You can sit on the stone seats of the half-circle auditorium and imagine the plays of 2,000 years ago. Right next to the theatre is the Roman Amphitheatre, where gladiators once fought, and both can be visited with the same ticket. Mérida has many other Roman sites too, such as a long Roman bridge, the Temple of Diana and the National Museum of Roman Art. In July and August the theatre is used again for plays during the International Classical Theatre Festival.
How to Get There and Practical Information
Mérida is the capital of Extremadura. It can be reached by train or bus from Madrid, Seville and Badajoz, and by car on the main road between Madrid and Lisbon. The theatre is in the centre of the city, a short walk from the main square. There is an entrance fee, and a combined ticket also lets you visit other Roman sites in the city. The site is open every day, with longer hours in summer. Summers in Mérida are very hot, so visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you can, book a ticket for an evening play during the summer festival.
Weather in location: Roman Theatre of Mérida, Spain
- Today 16°…29°
- Wind 3 km/h E
- No precipitation now
