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 shaped 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 animals 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 façade 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 Mediterranean 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.

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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 Homepage MHT ticket Prices MHT Opening times

What to take with you 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.

History of Tarragona Museum Roman Amphitheatre Summary of Prices

Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Adult € 16.10 € 5.00 Students, Over 65 years, 2.50 Euros Child € 16.10 FREE For under 16 YearsGroup/Family Ticket? See Website.Notes Combined ticket for all MHT 15.00 Euros.