Roman Theater of Malaga

The Roman Theatre in Málaga is one of the few surviving architectural monuments of the Roman presence in the city. It was built at the beginning of the first century AD, i.e. during the period of the Roman Empire, when it was actively developing and many new buildings were being constructed.

Once in front of the Roman Theatre there were baths from the times of the first Roman Republic, only the remains of the stone floor have been preserved. The theatre is partly built on the remains of these baths.

Description

The Roman theatre in Málaga, built in the 1st century BC during the time of Emperor Augustus, is one of the most important archaeological monuments of Andalusia and one of the oldest Roman theatres on the Iberian Peninsula. Located at the foot of the Alcazaba fortress, the theatre was originally used for theatrical performances, public meetings and other cultural events, making it an important social centre in ancient Roman Malaga (Malaca).

Architecturally, the theatre blends in with the natural landscape - its stands (cavei) are built into the hillside, which not only provided comfortable seating for the audience, but also improved the theatre's acoustics. The theatre was designed according to typical Roman architectural principles: it had an orchestra, a stage (scena) and a rich decorative façade decorated with columns and arches. Although most of these elements have not survived to this day, restoration work has made it possible to partially restore the original features of the theatre.

After the 3rd century AD, the theatre was abandoned and gradually destroyed, and its stones were used for the construction of other buildings, including the Alcazaba, the fortress located above the theatre. The site was accidentally discovered in 1951 during the construction of the House of Culture, which led to the beginning of extensive archaeological excavations and restoration.

Today, the Roman Theatre in Málaga is not only a valuable archaeological site, but also serves as an active cultural centre. It regularly hosts theatre productions, concerts and other events, allowing residents and visitors to Málaga to experience the city's ancient heritage. The theatre is open to the public all year round, offering a unique opportunity to see one of the most important testimonies of the Roman presence in Spain.

For those interested in ancient history and architecture, the Roman Theatre in Málaga is a must-see. Its central location in the city makes it accessible to all tourists, and its rich history and architectural features allow for a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage of Málaga and the Roman era in Spain.

History

The Roman theatre in Málaga was used for two centuries, until the 3rd century AD, when it was abandoned. Over time, the theatre was partially destroyed and looted. During the late Roman period and the early Middle Ages, its area was used for various economic purposes, including salt production and fish salting. Pools used for this production have been discovered, which supports the hypothesis that the theatre space was used for economic activities.

For some time, part of the theatre was indeed used as a necropolis, as evidenced by the tombs and burials found in the excavations. In addition, some of the building materials from the Roman theatre were used in the construction of the Alcazaba fortress in the 11th century, reflecting the common practice of reusing ancient structures.

For many centuries, the Roman theatre in Málaga was buried under layers of earth, streets and houses built on the slope of the Alcazaba. During the construction of the House of Culture in 1951, a monumental structure was accidentally discovered, which was initially mistaken for part of a Roman wall. However, subsequent archaeological research revealed that it was a Roman theatre, as tribunes and other characteristic elements were found.

The main part of the theatre was under the foundations of the House of Culture, which created difficulties for excavations. After much discussion and debate, the building of the House of Culture was demolished, allowing for extensive archaeological excavations, which are still ongoing. As a result of these excavations, the theatre was partially restored and opened to the public in 2011 after significant restoration work.

Today, the Roman Theatre in Málaga is one of the city's main tourist attractions and an important cultural heritage of Spain, protected as a national monument. Its discovery was an important event in the archaeology of the region, as the theatre sheds light on the Roman period in Malaga's history.

Architecture

The Roman theatre in Málaga was built in the 1st century BC, probably during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Although there is no exact record of the designer, there is no historical evidence to confirm that Vitruvius was the architect.

The theatre does make use of the natural topography of the hill where the cavaeus (seats for the audience) are located. Most of the cavaeus were built into the hillside, with the remainder supported by man-made structures.

The theatre had a stage (skena) that was about 31 metres wide and an orchestra about 15 metres in diameter.

The part of the auditorium seats closest to the stage (the first rows), known as the proscenium, was reserved for important guests and may have had wooden floors and marble panelling.

The auditoriums were divided into three sectors (tiers) by aisles, and arched openings and tunnels (vomitoria) were used for audience access to seats and exit to the stage.

Major corrections:

1. Architect Vitruvius: There is no mention of Vitruvius as the designer of the Roman theatre in Malaga in sources related to the Roman theatre in Malaga. This name was probably added erroneously, as Vitruvius was known as an architect and theorist, but his association with this particular project is unconfirmed.
   
2. Date of construction: the Roman theatre in Malaga was built in the 1st century BC, probably during the reign of Emperor Augustus. This is consistent with the archaeological evidence and the history of the city during that period.
   
3. Use of the relief of the hill: This is indeed typical of Roman theatres, including the theatre in Malaga. Most of the auditorium seats (cavei) are built into the hillside, making use of the natural topography.
   
4. Stage and orchestra: The dimensions of the stage and orchestra (31 metres and 15 metres respectively) correspond to the typical parameters of Roman theatres and are confirmed by archaeological evidence.
   
5. Grandstand for important guests: Such grandstands existed, and in some theatres they may indeed have been finished in marble or had wooden elements.
   
6. Sectors and arched openings: The division of grandstands into sectors and the presence of arched openings (vomitoria) for audience access is also typical of Roman theatres and is confirmed by archaeological excavations.
   
   

Excursions

To learn interesting facts about Roman times, details about the construction and use of the Roman Theatre, you can book a guided tour during your visit.

The Roman Theatre is one of the most popular and frequently visited attractions in Málaga. To help visitors and make the tour more interesting, an information centre was built next to the Roman Theatre in 2010. It was erected in the form of a prima of steel, glass and wood, the design of this unique building was created by Spanish architect Antonio Tejedor. The information centre contains information about excavations, interesting finds.

How to visit

Entrance to the Roman Theatre in Málaga is free of charge.
Opening hours:

• Tuesday - Saturday from 10-00 to 18-00,
  
• Sunday and holidays from 10-00 to 16-00.
  
• Monday is a day off.
  

Closed: 1 and 6 January, 1 May, 24, 25 and 31 December. On other national, regional and/or local holidays, please check opening times by

email: TRomanoMalaga.aaiicc@juntadeandalucia.es

There is no charge to visit and no advance ticket reservation is required. However, for guided tours, pre-booking is recommended by calling 951 501 115 or by email.
Visitors will cease entry 30 minutes before closing time.

How to get there

The Roman Theatre in Málaga is located in the city centre at Calle Alcazabilla, 8, 29015 Málaga, next to the Alcazaba Fortress. The theatre is easily accessible on foot, as it is just a short walk from major attractions such as the Cathedral and Marques de Larios Street.

If you prefer public transport, the nearest bus stop is called ‘Alcazabilla (Teatro Romano)’, serving routes C1 and C2. It is just a two-minute walk from the theatre. Another convenient stop is ‘Paseo del Parque,’ which is about a 5-minute walk away and is served by many bus routes, including the 1, 4, 14, and 37.

For those who prefer the metro, the nearest station is Atarazanas, located 750 metres from the theatre. It can be reached on foot in about 10 minutes.

If you plan to get there by car, it's worth bearing in mind that parking is limited in the city centre. However, paid parking is available near the theatre, such as on Paseo de Reding and Calle Victoria.

The Roman Theatre is open to the public all year round and admission is free, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

What to visit nearby

The Roman Theatre in Málaga is located in the historic centre of the city, and there are many interesting sights to visit around it. First and foremost is the Alcazaba Fortress, which sits directly above the theatre. This 11th century Moorish fortress palace offers spectacular views of the city and the sea, as well as unique architecture and gardens.

Another important historical attraction is the Castle of Gibralfaro, which sits on top of the hill above the Alcazaba. The castle can be reached on foot or by bus and offers stunning panoramic views of Málaga.

Also worth a visit is the Picasso Museum, just a short walk from the theatre. This museum has an extensive collection of works by the famous Málaga-born artist.

Nearby is also the Cathedral of Málaga, known as La Manquita (meaning ‘The One-armed One’ due to the fact that one of the towers was never completed). This cathedral combines both Renaissance and Baroque styles and is stunning in its majestic architecture and interior decoration.

Don't miss the opportunity to stroll along the picturesque Paseo del Parque promenade, where you can enjoy beautiful gardens, sculptures and views of Málaga's harbour.

Thus, around the Roman Theatre in Málaga, you will find many historical and cultural sites that will make your visit rich and interesting.

• Telephone: (+34) 951 50 11 15, (+34) 671 53 92 12
  
• Email: TRomanoMalaga.aaiicc@juntadeandalucia.es
  
• Website:
  
• Address: C/ Alcazabilla, s/n, Distrito Centro, 29015 Málaga
  
• GPS Coordinates: 36.72127441022829, -4.417019721578746