Roman Theatre

Mérida

The Roman Theatre of Mérida is an ancient Roman theatre located in the city of Mérida, in the Extremadura region of Spain.

Built in the 1st century BC, it is one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world and an important example of Roman architecture.

The theatre was used for theatre performances, music and dance, as well as being a venue for political speeches and other public events. With a seating capacity of over 6,000 spectators, it was one of the largest theatres in the Roman Empire.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the theatre was abandoned and eventually buried under layers of earth and later constructions. It was rediscovered in the 20th century and underwent extensive restoration to preserve its original structure.

Today, the Roman Theatre of Mérida is an important tourist destination and is used for theatrical and musical performances during the International Classical Theatre Festival of Mérida, which takes place every year during the summer. It is a fascinating site for those interested in the history of Roman civilization and ancient architecture.