The Amphitheatre was used for entertainment, including fights between wild beasts and gladiators, and public executions.

Roman Amphitheatre

The Roman Amphitheatre was built in the 2nd century and held gladiator fights. It was also the foundation for much that would come over the next 1,000 years—including the 6th century Visigoth basilica and a 12th century Romanesque church.

There are two three-metre-wide gateways that lead outside. The porta triumphalis, where the gladiators entered, and the porta libitinensis,
from where the fallen where removed. – © Manel Antoli RV Edipress / Tarragona Tourist Board

On summer evenings, Tarragona transforms its legacy into a Living History. It offers the opportunity to take a fascinating trip back to its Roman past with a series of historical reconstructions. – © Rafael López-Monné

To commemorate the martyrdom of Saint Fructuosus and his deacons in 259 A.D., a Visigoth basilica was built on the site, over which the medieval church of Santa Maria del Miracle was subsequently established. – © Manel R. Granell

The Roman Amphitheatre is one of the monuments of the archaeological complex of Tarraco, declared a World Heritage site. – © Rafael López-Monné

There are two three-metre-wide gateways that lead outside. The porta triumphalis, where the gladiators entered, and the porta libitinensis, from where the fallen where removed. – © Manel Antoli RV Edipress / Tarragona Tourist Board

This oval structure built in the 2nd century and overlooking the sea is more than just an ancient stadium with its stands carved directly out of the underlying bedrock. The amphitheatre—109.5 metres long by 86.5 metres wide—could hold up to 14,000 spectators and was the site of many aspects of existence: drama, entertainment, and judgement.

In its day, it was the scene of fights between gladiators. There were battles against wild beasts. There were also public executions here. In the year 259 A.D., the Bishop Fructuoso and his deacons Augurio and Eulogio were burned alive within its confines. In the early 6th century, a Visigoth basilica was built on the site, which was eventually replaced by the mediaeval Santa Maria del Miracle (Our Lady of the Miracle) church.

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