Roman Theater

Sitting underneath the Alcazaba (fortified citadel), the Roman theater is Málaga’s oldest monument and was built during the reign of Emperor Augustus. It was at the cultural heart of the city for 300 years until the Moors began to plunder the stone to build the Alcazaba between the eighth and 11th centuries; Roman columns taken from the theater can clearly be seen in the Puerta de las Columnas (gate of the columns) at the entrance to the citadel. The theater was abandoned, buried and forgotten for centuries before finally being rediscovered in 1951 during a civic construction project.

After decades of restoration work, the theater stands proud once more; it measures 102 ft (31 m) across and 52 (16 m) in height; the stage, orchestra pit, entrance gateways and crescent-shaped, tiered auditorium – which seats 220 spectators – have all been carefully resurrected. It was re-opened in 2011 and entrance is through an Interpretation Center, which details the story of the theater’s long history and its rebirth through interactive displays. Pottery artifacts uncovered during excavation are also on display here. In summer the theater provides an atmospheric venue for a program of open-air concerts and plays.

Practical Info

Entrance to the Roman theater is free of charge. There’s no disabled access and it is open from Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Monday. There is underground parking close to the Alcazaba.