Tarragona Amphitheatre
Catalunya
The Tarragona Amphitheatre is an ancient Roman elliptical arena located just outside the historic center of Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain. Built in the early 2nd century AD thanks to a donation by an imperial priest, it was part of a trilogy of Roman entertainment buildings including a theatre and a circus, reflecting the city's status as a provincial capital. The amphitheatre hosted gladiator combats, wild beast hunts, and executions, with an arena measuring approximately 62.5 by 38.5 meters. Architecturally, it features a three-tiered seating arrangement carved partly from rock and supported by vaulted structures, with a 3.25-meter high podium separating the arena from the spectators. A small chapel-like room once contained a mural of Nemesis, the goddess protecting gladiators. The site underwent renovations in 221 AD during the reign of Emperor Elagabalus. Notably, in 259 AD, Bishop Fructuosus and his deacons were martyred by burning in the amphitheatre, leading to the later construction of a basilica and the Romanesque church of Santa Maria del Miracle on the site. Today, the amphitheatre stands as a testament to Tarragona's rich Roman heritage and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage archaeological ensemble of Tarraco.
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Consiglio: The best time to visit the Tarragona Amphitheatre is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller. Tickets can be purchased in advance online through the official Tarragona heritage website to avoid queues. Visitors should check opening hours ahead of time as they may vary seasonally. Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and groups. Guided tours are recommended for a deeper understanding of the site's historical context and architectural features.
Fatti interessanti
- •The amphitheatre is part of the archaeological ensemble of Tarraco, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
- •A mural depicting Nemesis, the goddess protector of gladiators, was discovered in a small chapel-like room within the amphitheatre.
- •The arena's dimensions are approximately 62.5 meters by 38.5 meters, with seating divided into three sections (maenianae).
- •The amphitheatre was the site of the martyrdom by burning of Bishop Fructuosus and his deacons in 259 AD.
- •The nearby Roman road Via Augusta passed close to the amphitheatre, facilitating access and the arrival of animals for spectacles.
Storia
The Tarragona Amphitheatre was constructed in the early 2nd century AD through a benefaction by a provincial flamen (imperial priest).
It was part of the Roman city's entertainment complex alongside a theatre and circus.
In 221 AD, the amphitheatre was renovated during Emperor Elagabalus's reign.
A significant historical event occurred in 259 AD when Bishop Fructuosus and his two deacons were executed by burning in the arena, an act that inspired the later building of a basilica dedicated to these martyrs.
In the 12th century, the Romanesque church of Santa Maria del Miracle was erected over the earlier paleochristian basilica on the site, marking the continuity of sacred use of the location.
Guida del luogo
The Arenaearly 2nd century AD
The elliptical central space where gladiatorial combats, wild beast hunts, and executions took place. It measures approximately 62.5 by 38.5 meters and contains the fossae (pits) beneath the arena floor.
Seating (Cavea)early 2nd century AD
The tiered seating area carved partly from natural rock on the north side and supported by vaulted structures elsewhere. It is divided into three maenianae, reflecting Roman social hierarchies in seating arrangements.
Nemesis Mural Chapelearly 2nd century AD
A small chapel-like room within the amphitheatre where a mural of Nemesis, the goddess protector of gladiators, was discovered, indicating the religious aspects tied to gladiatorial combat.
Tribune and Main Entrancesearly 2nd century AD
The tribune was the official viewing area for dignitaries, with principal gates providing access to the arena for participants and animals.
Basilica of the Martyrs and Santa Maria del Miracle Church6th century (basilica), 12th century (Romanesque church)
Built on the site after the martyrdom of Bishop Fructuosus and his deacons in 259 AD, the basilica and later the 12th-century Romanesque church of Santa Maria del Miracle commemorate the Christian martyrs.
Contatto
Telefono: 977 24 25 79
