Roman Theater and Amphitheater of Mérida Guided Tour
About this activity
- Your booking is confirmed instantly
- This option has FREE cancellation: book it without any risk!
Experience Highlights
Immerse yourself in ancient Augusta Emerita with a guided tour of the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre of Merida, the two star monuments of the archaeological World Heritage Site. An official guide accompanies you for 1h 30 min and reveals the secrets of architecture, leisure and daily life in the capital of Lusitania.
The tour starts at the main entrance of the Roman Theatre, continues through the orchestra and the majestic frons scaenae, and concludes in the amphitheatre arena, where the roars of wild beasts and gladiators resounded. Available in English and suitable for all ages.
- Book in advance and avoid queues at the ticket office.
- Learn the stories behind every column and grandstand.
- Enjoy priority access to the two most iconic sites in Mérida.
What’s included
- Priority entrance to the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre of Mérida
- Official guided tour (1 h 30 min.) in English
- Radio-guide system with headphones for groups > 8 persons
- Free time afterwards for photographs at both sites.
Select date and time
Keep in mind you need to arrive 15 minutes before start
Step by Step
The experience starts at the monumental door of the Roman Theatre. Under the shadow of the Corinthian columns, the guide explains how Augustus' "bread and circuses" policy provided entertainment for the people. In front of the semicircular cavea, you will discover construction techniques such as the radial vaults that support the tiers of seating and the carefully chosen acoustics that still amaze the actors of the Classical Theatre Festival.
You will then go to the orchestra to see the imported marble reliefs and the velarium system that provided protection from the sun. The highlight is the frons scaenae, with its statues of gods and emperors. The guide recreates the original scenery and points out the passages that connected the dressing rooms and the stage.
An outdoor walkway leads to the neighbouring Roman Amphitheatre. Crossing the Triumphalis gate, you can imagine the roar of the crowd as the gladiators prepared themselves in the spolia optima. In the elliptical arena, the guide narrates anecdotes of vengeance hunts, real combats and the complex underground network that housed wild animals.
The tour ends on the middle tier, from where you will get the perfect photo of the amphitheatre with the lush pine forest in the background. The guide will bid the group farewell with recommendations on how to make the most of the rest of the archaeological site and the gastronomy of the city.
