History of Tarragona Museum Roman Amphitheatre

About History of Tarragona Museum Roman Amphitheatre

Dating from the 2nd century A.D. on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, the oval shapped amphitheatre, Anfiteatro Romano de Tarragona, was used as a venue for numerous popular events, including gladiatorial games. The pits in the main arena were used lo load animls and gladiators into the arena. In the central part of the amphitheatre, the remains of the plan of a Visigoth basilica are preserved (6th century) as well as those of a Romanesque-Gothic church from the 12th century.

On January 21, 259, the Christian bishop Fructuos and his two deacons, Augurius and Eulogius, were burned alive in the arena of the Amphitheatre. This fact motivated in the sixth century the construction of a cult basilica dedicated to these martyrs. During the 12th century, the Romanesque church of Santa Maria del Miracle was built on the primitive early Christian basilica.

The building was located outside the Roman city centre close to the beach so that the animals that were to take part in the shows could be unloaded. Two types of activities were organised in the Amphitheatre: gladiator fights and beast fights or hunts. In addition, the Amphitheatre was also the place where those sentenced to death were executed.

The arena, or space where the show took place, has dimensions of 62.5 metres by 38.5 metres with total dimensions of 130 by 102 metres and space for 15,000 spectators.

In a small chapel-like room, a mural depicting Nemesis, the protective goddess of gladiators, was discovered. Also, the sand is separated from the bleachers by a podium 3.25 meters high. The bleachers or cavea were divided into three sectors or maenianae. These bleachers were built by cutting the rock on the north side and supporting them on vaults in the rest of the building. The grandstand, the main exit doors to the arena and a very small part of the facade have also been located.

Today the ruins of the amphitheatre form part of the Museo de Historia de Tarragona (MHT) collection. Tarragona has some of the most substantial Roman Ruins in Catalunya. The amphitheatre is located in a modern park space, Parc de l'Amfiteatre, with a cafe and viewpoints looking over the amphitheatre towards the sea.

Another great place to get a view of the Tarragona Roman Amphitheatre is the Mediteranean Balcony, Balcó del Mediterrani.

Tarragona Roman Amphitheatre was awarded UNESCO world Heritage status in 2000. specifically, Tarragona city was awarded the status for its Roman archaeological legacy which includes multiple monuments.

Image Gallery for History of Tarragona Museum Roman Amphitheatre

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Visiting History of Tarragona Museum Roman Amphitheatre

There is a ticket office cabin in the park. You can buy a single ticket or a combined ticket for all MHT attractions. Discounts are available for over 65's, children and students.

Roman Tarragona Amphitheatre opening hours

Summer: 1st April to 30 September

• Tuesday to Friday: 09:00h to 20:30h
• Saturday: 09:00h to 18:30h
• Sunday and Holiday's: 09:00h to 14:30h
• Closed: Monday's and 5th April
• Open mornings only: 1st May, 24th June, 19th August, 11th September and 23rd September

Winter: 1st October to 31 March

• Tuesday to Friday: 09:00h to 19:00h
• Saturday: 09:00h to 18:30h
• Sunday and Holiday's: 09:00h to 14:30h
• Closed: Monday's, 24th December, 25th December, 26th December, 31st December, 1st January, 6th January, 1st November
• Open mornings only: 12th October, 6th December, 8th December

Free Entry:International museum day in May, 19th August, 18th September, 23rd September, 8,8 and 10th October. The last Tuesday of January, February, march, May, October, November and December.

Access closes 30 minutes before final closing time.

Roman Amphitheater HomepageMHT ticket PricesMHT Opening times

Accessibility, mobility & Clothing for History of Tarragona Museum Roman Amphitheatre

Access to the Roman Tarragona Amphitheatre is via steps from a park. To confirm accessibility call 977 242 220 or write to mht@tarragona.cat

There are no bicycle anchorage points near to the museum.

Large rucksacks and bags will not be permitted inside the museum, nor is there space in reception to leave them. I was allowed inside with my small 10L museum rucksack.

No need for headphones because there is no audio guide but there are information plaques explaining each exhibit.



Day Trip Rucksack

Small 10L day trip and museums rucksack





0.8L water bottle

Reusable, refillable 1L water bottle.





Emergency Poncho

Small folded lightweight Water proof poncho for emergencies

Getting to History of Tarragona Museum Roman Amphitheatre

Address: Parc de l'Amfiteatre S/N, Tarragona. 43003

The Renfe REGIONAL R14, R15, R16 & R17 lines all go to Tarragona city centre from Barcelona-Estació de França, Barcelona-Passeig de Gràcia and Barcelona-Sants.

Note: Do not use any high speed AVE. AVLo, Ouigo or Iryo trains because these all go to Camp de Tarragona which is a new station built 15Km outside of the centre of Tarragona.

Documents for History of Tarragona Museum Roman Amphitheatre

Click on any one of the 3 PDFs to view in full screen and download.