The Roman Theatre of Cádiz (Gades) was “rediscovered” in 1980 when some old foundry workshops were being demolished. Until then, it had remained hidden. Cádiz, due to lack of space, has always had a habit of building on top of previously constructed buildings.
Nowadays, modern buildings such as the municipal nursery that borders the theater, along with buildings that make up the Pópulo neighborhood, as well as the remaining ruins of the medieval city, prevent the excavation of the theater in its entirety.
Why not take a guided tour of Cádiz city that includes a visit to the Roman Theatre?
To truly appreciate the history of the Roman Theatre in Cádiz, consider exploring it with a local guide. As one of the oldest and largest Roman theatres in Spain, this site has layers of stories hidden in its ancient stones. A knowledgeable guide can bring the ruins to life with fascinating insights about its discovery, Roman-era performances, and the surrounding neighborhood of El Pópulo.
Find out about available tours over at Get Your Guide.
Some facts about the Roman theatre in Cádiz
- The Cádiz Theater is one of the largest theaters, with a cavea diameter of 118 meters and a capacity of around 10,000 spectators.
- It is the oldest theater among those known in the Iberian Peninsula.
- It is one of the few public buildings of Roman Hispania mentioned in works by figures such as Cicero or the Greek historian Strabo.
- Cicero himself commented that a play written by Balbo, the younger, founder of Neapolis, the new city, was performed in the theater of Gades, and that the actor who played it was so ugly and did so poorly that Balbo ordered him executed!
The Roman Theater Interpretation Center
This museum offers a complete view of the site and its historical context. The center is organized through a series of models, images, plans, archaeological material, and other elements throughout five rooms.
The exhibition tour concludes with the projection of an educational audiovisual for all types of audiences. Along with the summarized information about the theater, it offers a virtual recreation of the building as it was in its origins, as well as its functionality, its role within the Roman city, its creators, and ultimately, its importance in the context of a city that is over three thousand years old.
The Roman Theater Interpretation Center’s opening hours are:
- Winter (October 1st to March 31st): from 10 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Saturday. On Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm.
- Summer (April 1st to September 30th): from 11 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday. On Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm.
Closed: The first Monday of each month and 1st, 6th of January, 1st of May, 24th, 25th y 31st de December
Address C. Mesón, 11, 13, 11005 Cádiz
The official website in Spanish) is here.
Find out more about the museums in Cádiz city here: https://visitingcadiz.com/museums-in-cadiz/
FAQ: Visiting the Roman Theatre of Cádiz
The Roman Theatre is located in the historic El Pópulo neighborhood of Cádiz, at C. Mesón, 11, 13, 11005 Cádiz. It’s nestled among modern and medieval structures, reflecting the city’s layered history.
The theatre was rediscovered in 1980 during the demolition of old foundry workshops. Due to Cádiz’s compact layout, new buildings were often constructed on top of older ones, keeping the theatre hidden for centuries.
A local guide can provide rich historical context and tell the fascinating stories behind the ruins. From Roman performances to its mention by Cicero and Strabo, the site becomes far more meaningful when explored through expert commentary. Many walking tours of Cádiz include the theatre as a highlight.
It is:
The oldest known Roman theatre on the Iberian Peninsula.
One of the largest, with a cavea diameter of 118 meters and capacity for around 10,000 spectators.
Mentioned by Cicero, who wrote of a performance ordered by Balbo, the younger—founder of Neapolis (new Cádiz).
The Interpretation Center offers:
Models, plans, and archaeological finds.
A virtual recreation of the original theatre.
An educational audiovisual presentation explaining its significance in Roman Gades.
Winter (Oct 1 – Mar 31):
Mon–Sat: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sun: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Summer (Apr 1 – Sep 30):
Mon–Sat: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Closed: First Monday of each month, Jan 1 & 6, May 1, Dec 24, 25, and 31.
Yes, the Roman Theatre Interpretation Center functions as a museum. It helps visitors understand the theatre’s cultural, social, and architectural importance through immersive exhibits.
You can find guided tours of Cádiz that include the Roman Theatre on platforms like Get Your Guide. These tours typically explore El Pópulo, Cádiz Cathedral, and other historic landmarks alongside the theatre.
Yes, the museum’s exhibits and audiovisual presentations are designed for all audiences, making it a great educational stop for families.
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