Museum of the Roman Theatre of Cartagena: Entry Ticket

For centuries, it lay hidden beneath the buildings of Cartagena, although in ancient times it welcomed thousands of spectators. Today, the Roman Theatre of Cartagena reveals its remarkable past once again, while the route leading to it uncovers the secrets concealed beneath the streets of the modern city. A visit to the Roman Theatre Museum takes you on a journey through almost 2,000 years of history, bringing together ancient ruins, archaeological discoveries and contemporary architecture.

Your visit begins at Riquelme Palace, the entrance to the museum complex designed by renowned Spanish architect Rafael Moneo. From here, you'll enter the underground Corridor of History, which leads beneath the streets of Cartagena. Along the way, you'll learn about the city's past and the transformations it has undergone throughout the centuries.

Inside the museum, you'll discover archaeological finds unearthed during excavations, including fragments of the theatre's original architecture and decorative features. You'll learn how the theatre was rediscovered and explore the excavation and restoration work that brought the remains of this long-hidden structure back to light. It's an opportunity to discover ancient Cartagena beyond its monumental ruins, gaining insight into the everyday lives of its inhabitants and the importance of theatrical performances in Roman culture.

One of the most distinctive parts of the route is the underground passage beneath the former Church of Santa María, which was built over the remains of the ancient theatre. This section offers a fascinating glimpse into how Cartagena evolved over the centuries, with successive buildings constructed on the foundations of earlier structures, gradually concealing traces of the ancient city.

Finally, you'll reach the highlight of the entire complex - the Roman Theatre, one of the largest structures of its kind in ancient Hispania. Its auditorium could accommodate approximately 7,000 spectators, and the surviving rows of stone seating offer a sense of the scale of the performances held here during the Roman Empire. Standing before the monumental remains of the theatre, you'll gain a new appreciation for the remarkable achievements of ancient Roman builders.

This is where Cartagena's history takes on a whole new dimension. The Roman Theatre Museum does more than display valuable artefacts - it tells the story of how a forgotten monument became one of the city's most important archaeological discoveries. Each stage of the visit brings you closer to a time when the theatre was a major centre of cultural life for Cartagena's Roman community.

The order of visits and the itinerary may be subject to change.