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Discover Tarragona’s 2nd‑century Roman Amphitheatre with opening hours, ticket options and essential tips for visiting this UNESCO site managed by the Museum of History Tarragona
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About History of Tarragona Museum Roman Amphitheatre
Dating from the 2nd century A.D. and set directly above the Mediterranean Sea, the oval-shaped Roman Amphitheatre of Tarragona was the venue for gladiatorial combat, animal hunts and public executions. Beneath the arena floor, the original pits used to load animals and gladiators are still visible. In the centre of the site you can see the foundations of a 6th‑century Visigoth basilica and, above it, the remains of a 12th‑century Romanesque‑Gothic church.
On 21 January 259, the Christian bishop Fructuosus and his deacons Augurius and Eulogius were executed by burning in the amphitheatre. Their martyrdom led to the construction of an early Christian basilica on the site in the 6th century, later replaced by the Romanesque church of Santa Maria del Miracle in the 12th century.
The amphitheatre stood just outside the Roman city walls, close to the shoreline, allowing animals arriving by sea to be unloaded easily. Two main types of spectacles were held here: gladiator fights and beast hunts (venationes). The arena also served as a place of execution for those sentenced to death.
The arena itself measures 62.5 by 38.5 metres, while the full structure reaches 130 by 102 metres and could accommodate around 15,000 spectators. A 3.25‑metre‑high podium separated the sand from the seating tiers. The cavea, or stands, were divided into three sections and built partly by cutting into the natural rock on the northern side and partly supported by vaulted structures elsewhere. Today, sections of the grandstand, the main access gates and fragments of the façade remain visible.
One of the most intriguing discoveries is a small chapel-like room containing a mural of Nemesis, the protective goddess of gladiators. This rare find highlights the ritual and symbolic world that surrounded the games.
Today, the amphitheatre forms part of the Museu d’Història de Tarragona (MHT) collection. It sits within the landscaped Parc de l’Amfiteatre, which includes a café and several viewpoints overlooking the ruins and the sea. Another excellent vantage point is the nearby Mediterranean Balcony, or Balcó del Mediterrani.
The Tarragona Roman Amphitheatre, along with the wider archaeological ensemble of Tarraco, was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000 for its exceptional Roman legacy.
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Visiting History of Tarragona Museum Roman Amphitheatre
The Tarragona Roman Amphitheatre is managed by the Museu d’Història de Tarragona (MHT). Tickets can be purchased at the small ticket cabin inside the park, with the choice of a single‑site ticket or a combined pass covering multiple MHT attractions. Reduced prices are available for seniors (65+), students and children. For details on the MHT combined ticket, see the Tarragona overview page’s #tickets section.
Roman Tarragona Amphitheatre Opening Hours
Summer Season: 1 April – 30 September
- Tuesday to Friday: 09:00 – 20:30
- Saturday: 09:00 – 18:30
- Sunday & Public Holidays: 09:00 – 14:30
- Closed: Mondays and 5 April
- Open mornings only: 1 May, 24 June, 19 August, 11 September, 23 September
Winter Season: 1 October – 31 March
- Tuesday to Friday: 09:00 – 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 – 18:30
- Sunday & Public Holidays: 09:00 – 12:30
- Closed: Mondays, 24–26 December, 31 December, 1 January, 6 January, 1 November
- Open mornings only: 12 October, 6 December, 8 December
Free Entry Days: International Museum Day (May), 19 August, 18 September, 23 September, 8–10 October, and the last Tuesday of January, February, March, May, October, November and December.
Access to the site closes 30 minutes before the official closing time.
Accessibility for the History of Tarragona Museum Roman Amphitheatre
Access to the Tarragona Roman Amphitheatre is via a series of steps leading down from the surrounding park. Visitors with mobility concerns should contact the site in advance to confirm current accessibility options. You can call 977 242 220 or email mht@tarragona.cat for up‑to‑date information.
There are no bicycle anchorage points near the entrance to the amphitheatre or the MHT ticket cabin.
Large rucksacks and bulky bags are not permitted inside the site, and there is no storage area at reception. I was allowed to enter with my small 10L daypack, but larger backpacks will need to be left elsewhere.
There is no audio guide service at the Amphitheatre, but clear information plaques are placed throughout the site explaining the main structures and archaeological remains.
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 Years
Group/Family Ticket?
See Website.
Notes
Combined ticket for all MHT 15.00 Euros.
Getting to History of Tarragona Museum Roman Amphitheatre
Address: Parc de l'Amfiteatre S/N, Tarragona, 43003
For detailed directions, see the #getting to section of the Tarragona overview page, which explains how to reach Tarragona by train, car or bus.
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