Mérida Roman Circus

The Mérida Roman circus is the setting for the chariot races of Augusta Emerita: an enormous esplanade on the outskirts, east of the old town, where you can make out the whole track. It is the last monument on the joint ticket and the furthest away, but also the one that best gives the scale of the Roman city.

What it was

It was built in the early years of the 1st century AD, shortly after the founding of the city. For the Monumental City Consortium it is the largest of the entertainment buildings the Romans built in Mérida and one of the most important in the Empire. Its stands could hold about 30,000 spectators, divided into caveae, and the arena covered about 30,000 m². For children it helps understand the size: a good part of the city fitted here.

What you see

In the centre of the track runs the spina, the wall that divided the arena in two and marked the chariots' turn. It was the most decorated part, with sculptures and obelisks; today its foundations remain. In the centre of the short west side was the porta pompae, the procession gate, through which the cortège entered before the races: musicians, charioteers, priests and religious images. On both sides opened the carceres, the stalls from which the chariots set off.

At the entrance, an interpretation centre explains what the races were like and how the circus worked before you go out onto the track.

Hours and price

It opens like the rest of the complex: from 1 October to 31 March, 9:00 to 18:30, with ticket office and access until 18:00; from 1 April to 30 September, 9:00 to 21:00. It closes on 25 December and 1 and 6 January, and on 24 and 31 December it opens 10:00 to 15:00. The individual ticket costs €6, €3 reduced, and is included in the €17 joint ticket. Under-13s with their family do not pay. Allow about 45 minutes.

Getting there

It is on Avenida Juan Carlos I, outside the old town, about 20 minutes' walk from the theatre. In heat or with small children, better by car. There is very little shade: in summer, go first thing.

What to combine

Next to the circus, on the same avenue, are the Rabo de Buey-San Lázaro aqueduct and baths and the chapel of Nuestra Señora de la Antigua. On nearby Avenida de Extremadura is the church of Santa Eulalia, with the Hornito and the Humilladero. If you are heading north, the Los Milagros aqueduct is the natural next step. If you have not yet seen the theatre and amphitheatre, remember the joint ticket covers everything.