Welcome to our guide of the Roman Theatre of Málaga, located in the historic center of the city, at the foot of the Alcazaba, on the archaeological remains of the ancient theater of Malaka. This cultural gem has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC) due to its historical significance.
Unveiling the Hidden Jewel of the Roman Theatre of Málaga
For many years, the theater remained partially hidden beneath the building known as the Casa de la Cultura, constructed in the 1940s. However, during the 1970s, the creation of landscaped spaces led to the discovery of archaeological remains initially identified as the gates of a wall. It was soon revealed that these were the remains of the Aditus Maximus, a Roman-era theater building. These findings eventually led to the demolition of the Casa de la Cultura in the 1990s in order to properly assess all the existing remains and subsequently restore them.
Construction and Its Features
The Roman Theatre of Málaga, built during the reign of Emperor Augustus in the 1st century AD, features a mixed construction style that combines the use of the hillside and the creation of an artificial foundation for the cavea or seating area.
This theater preserves elements such as the scaena or preoscenium (stage), where the flooring has been reproduced with wooden platforms. The cavea or seating area, with its arrangement of seats, the vomitorium (entrance to the seating area), and the orchestra, a reserved space for senators decorated with large marble slabs, are also notable.
Discovering the Roman Legacy
The origins of Roman Malaka date back to the 7th-6th centuries BC, although archaeological remains are documented as early as the 8th century BC.
Beneath the Roman Theatre, there are remains of thermal baths, of which part of the opus spicatum, a characteristic pavement in Roman constructions related to water, has been preserved.
A Tour of the Interpretation Center
In 2010, the interpretation center of the Roman Theatre was inaugurated. It is a prismatic quadrangular building made of steel, wood, and glass. This building is used to introduce visitors to the Roman world through audiovisual projections and original pieces recovered during excavations.
The interpretation center, decorated on its exterior with fragments of the Lex Flavia Malacitana, exhibits original pieces recovered during the excavations.
Contact Information
To visit the Roman Theatre of Málaga, take note of the following details:
Address: Roman Theatre of Málaga, C/ Alcazabilla, s/n, 29015 Málaga
Phone: 951 501 115
Opening Hours of the Roman Theatre of Málaga
From Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closed on Mondays
Admission price: Free entry
How to Get to the Roman Theatre of Málaga?
There are several options to get there:
Public transportation: You can use public transportation to reach the theatre. Several bus lines have stops near the archaeological site. We recommend checking the schedules and available routes to plan your trip.
By car: If you prefer to drive, keep in mind that the historic center of Málaga has narrow streets, and parking may be limited. However, there are several public parking lots near the Roman Theatre where you can leave your vehicle.
On foot: One of the best ways to reach the Roman Theatre is by walking. If you are in the center of Málaga, simply follow the signs or use a map to guide yourself to the theatre. It is located on C/ Alcazabilla, close to the Alcazaba.
Enjoy the Surroundings
While heading to the Roman Theatre, take the opportunity to enjoy the charm of Málaga’s historic center. Explore the picturesque streets and nearby squares, and admire other monuments and attractions that the city has to offer.
Feel free to contact them for updated information on opening hours, guided tours, and possible temporary closures.
