The theatre was built during the reign of Augustus in the late 1st century BC, when the city—then known as Malaca—was part of the Roman province of Hispania Baetica.
It remained in use until the 3rd century AD. Later:
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In the 5th and 6th centuries, it was used as a cemetery.
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During the Islamic period, many of its stones, capitals, and column shafts were reused in the construction of the Alcazaba.
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It remained hidden for centuries until its rediscovery in 1951 during construction works.
Architecture
The theatre follows the classical model described by Vitruvius in De Architectura.
It is a mixed construction:
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Part of the cavea (seating area) is carved directly into the natural hillside.
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Another part rests on an artificial terrace supporting the stands.
The structure consists of three main parts:
Cavea – the semicircular seating area.
Orchestra – the semicircular space between the seating and the stage.
Proscaenium (Stage) – including a very well-preserved pulpitum, whose front is decorated with niches that still preserve traces of original Roman painting.
Opening Hours
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Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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Sunday & Public Holidays: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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Closed: Mondays
Last entry is typically 15 minutes before closing time.
(Opening hours may vary on special holidays.)
Admission is free.
📍 Google Maps Link
You can find it here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qe6ELLQF5trTZzTs9