Roman Theatre of Malaga | Malaga

The Málaga Roman Theatre (Teatro Romano de Málaga) is the oldest monument in Málaga, located at the foot of the Alcazaba fortress.

Visual Characteristics

The site consists of the proscenium (stage), remains of the orchestra, and the cavea (spectator seating). The seating area, with a radius of 31 meters and a height of 16 meters, is tiered into three sections. Much of the structure remains preserved due to centuries of being buried or reused in the foundations of the Alcazaba.

Location & Access

Address: C/ Alcazabilla, s/n, 29015 Málaga.

Transit: Central location within the historic district, walking distance from the Port and major bus stops at Alameda Principal.

Access: The view from the street (Calle Alcazabilla) is free and available 24/7. Entry to the interior and the interpretation center is free during operating hours.

Operating Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Monday: Closed.

Key Highlights

Interpretation Center: A modern visitor center at the entrance provides context on the Roman presence in Málaga and displays recovered artifacts.

Architecture: Traditional Roman theater design built during the reign of Augustus. It remained in use until the 3rd century AD.

Material Reuse: After its abandonment, the Moors used the theater as a quarry, taking its columns and capitals to build the adjacent Alcazaba.

Historical Context

Rediscovered in 1951 during the construction of a garden, the theater had been hidden beneath the "Casa de la Cultura" for centuries. The building was subsequently demolished to fully excavate and restore the archaeological site.

Nearby Landmarks

Alcazaba of Málaga: Adjacent (East).

Picasso Museum Málaga: 0.2km West.

Málaga Cathedral: 0.3km Southwest.

Gibralfaro Castle: 0.7km East (uphill).