Investigate the partially excavated ruins of the Roman Theater, one of the largest amphitheaters on the Iberian peninsula. This ancient arena was built around 70 B.C., and originally had a capacity of more than 10,000 spectators.
The Roman venue was discovered in 1980 after a warehouse fire in the city’s El Populo neighborhood. It fell into disrepair around the middle of the 2nd century and was looted for its marble and bronze decorative materials. Structures such as the stage and portico have yet to be revealed because they’re located under modern buildings.
Sit among the different levels of the cavea, the tiered stone seating section that was cut into natural rock. Look down on the orchestra section near the front where senators would have sat. Walk through the theater's interior gallery, a covered corridor that spectators used to get to their seats.
Tour the interpretation center to discover more about the history of this Roman structure. Enjoy an excellent view of the entire site from a viewing window inside the center and explore its five rooms.
Study the information panels written in English and Spanish that cover such topics as the history of the construction of the Cadiz theater, the types of materials used and the function of amphitheaters in Roman society. View ancient artifacts found at the site and see models of how the venue would have looked 2,000 years ago.
The Roman Theater is located in the El Populo neighborhood near the entrance to Cadiz Old Town. Arrive by bus or drive and park for a fee in nearby parking lots. This historical attraction is open every day except the first Monday of the month, some public holidays, December 24 and 31 and January 6. Admission is free.
To see other ancient Roman ruins, walk to the Gadir Archeological Site, also within the Old Town of Cadiz. The site has the remains of a Roman salting factory where fish were saturated with salt in tanks.
