The Roman Theatre of Malaga is the greatest architectural exponent of the Roman Empire in Malaga and is located in the heart of the city, in Alcazabilla street. If you want to know more about the theater we tell you all the details in this article.
Roman Theatre of Malaga history
The Roman theatre of Malaga was built in the 1st century in the time of Augustus and retained its use as a theatre until the 3rd century. In the period of Al-Andalus in Spain, the theatre was used as a stone quarry.
Malaga (known as Malacca in Roman times), was a federated city of the Roman Empire. It was an autonomous city under Roman rule and although it did not fully belong to the Roman Empire, it was the highest rank of autonomous cities.
In addition to the Roman theatre, pools were also found, which were used by the Romans for two purposes:
- Salting of fish: At that time there were no refrigerators, so the way to preserve the fish was with salt. Inside the pools were placed from bottom to top a layer of salt, another layer of fish, another layer of salt and another layer of fish until they were full.
- Garum: You may know this word thanks to the movies and comics of Asterix and Obelix, it was a product that was used as a food condiment, today it would replace ketchup or soy but the process of elaboration was a little different, it was a fish paste made with the viscera, which were left to dry in the open air.
Idon’t think it sounds very appetizing, but if you want to know more about garum click here.
There was evidence that there was a Roman theatre in Malaga, but it was not until 1951, the year in which the house of culture was built in Alcazabilla street when the remains of the Roman theatre appeared. Finally the house of culture was demolished in 1995.
Roman Theatre of Malaga curiosities
- One of the most striking details is that it is built on a hillside, characteristic of the Greek theatres, which took advantage of the slopes to build the stands. In the case of the Romans, they used to place the theatres on the plain and built the stands
- Occasionally there are plays and Antonio Banderas (who has his residence a few meters away), participated in several performances when he was a child. The most curious thing is that these performances were clandestine, as they took place during the Franco dictatorship, in which this type of performances were prohibited, thus challenging the cultural censorship that existed in Malaga at that time.
Today, the theatre is occasionally used for theatrical performances, especially during the summer months. The most curious thing is that most of the spectators are not usually seated in the stands of the theatre itself, but watch the play from Calle Alcazabilla (a few meters from the stage).
Entrance to the Roman Theatre Malaga
There are two options to visit the theatre, the first one is from Alcazabilla street. The whole theatre can be visited perfectly well from the street, but if you want to walk inside it is possible and the entrance is free.
The schedule is:
- From Tuesday to Saturday… from 10h to 18h.
- Sundays and holidays… from 10h to 16h.
- Monday… closed.
Roman Theatre Malaga Christmas
In 2019, to widen the variety of events alongside the lighting of the lights on Calle Larios, an innovative “video mapping” was projected onto the façade of the building.
It was very successful and it is expected to be held again at Christmas 2020. There were three daily sessions, at 18:30h, 20:00h and 21:30h.
We leave you the video that was projected so you can enjoy it, simply spectacular!
Roman Theatre Malaga coronavirus
The Roman Theatre of Malaga, was closed on March 13, 2020, along with the other attractions managed by the Junta de Andalucía in accordance with the state of emergency caused by the Coronavirus crisis.
Since the re-inauguration of the Roman Theatre of Malaga as a scenic space in 2011, this has been the longest period it has been closed to the public, as almost 100 days have passed since it was closed on March 13 until its re-opening on June 22, 2020.
Admission to the Theatre is still free, but as in the rest of the public spaces, the capacity will be reduced and the use of masks will be compulsory in closed spaces and in those where it is not possible to keep the safety distance.
Our recommendation is to observe the Roman Theatre from Calle Alcazabilla, as with the exception of the reception, you can see almost the entire theatre from the street. We make this recommendation, with the anticipation that during the summer months there may be long lines in the street with the consequent Malaga heat.
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