Roman Theatre, Cádiz, Spain - SpottingHistory.com

The Roman theatre of Cádiz is an ancient structure discovered in 1980. The theatre, which was likely built during the 1st century BC and was one of the largest ever built in the Roman empire, was abandoned in the 4th century and, in the 13th century, a fortress was built on its ruins by order of King Alfonso X of Castile.

The theatre featured a cavea with a diameter of more than 120 meters, and could house some 10,000 spectators. The theatre was one of the few Roman structures of ancient Hispania mentioned by classical authors, including Cicero and Strabo. Excavations in the site have also found remains of a quarter dating to the taifa period, Almohad houses and 17th century pits.

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User Reviews

Christopher Davies (4 years ago)
This site was only discovered in the 1980s and shows the remarkable remains of the theatre. The accompanying explanatory displays are excellent. I was particularly taken by the long high arched corridor which gave access to the seating. It gave an insight into how the building worked.

Adam Miles (4 years ago)
THIS IS A GEM OF A PLACE!!!! It may be very hidden and hard to find (even if you have an address) but it is a MUST VISIT LOCATION. And please give a donation - they really, really deserve it!!

Brendan Geraghty (4 years ago)
The Roman theatre is fantastic such a treasure to be found in the middle of Cadiz.. Well worth a visit.

Teresa Davila (4 years ago)
Entry is free and a great experience. History provided and exhibition on how the theatre would have been built. To see Roman ruins up close and in person was wonderful. We could not find it and got turned around a few times just be patient and ask the locals, they are helpful. Check for hours so you don't arrive when closed.

Marta Rodenas (4 years ago)
The entrance is hard to find, google maps takes you to where the ruins are but not the entrance center. There is a picture that describes how to get there if you go to where the Google location takes you. The Roman theatre is free to enter so it’s a must-see for anyone who loves history and is on a budget. The theatre was only discovered in 1980 despite it being there for so long! It was used as a fort at one point as well. All of the history is described in the small museum that’s attached to the ruins.

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Monte d'Accoddi

Monte d"Accoddi is a Neolithic archaeological site in northern Sardinia, located in the territory of Sassari. The site consists of a massive raised stone platform thought to have been an altar. It was constructed by the Ozieri culture or earlier, with the oldest parts dated to around 4,000–3,650 BC.

The site was discovered in 1954 in a field owned by the Segni family. No chambers or entrances to the mound have been found, leading to the presumption it was an altar, a temple or a step pyramid. It may have also served an observational function, as its square plan is coordinated with the cardinal points of the compass.

The initial Ozieri structure was abandoned or destroyed around 3000 BC, with traces of fire found in the archeological evidence. Around 2800 BC the remains of the original structure were completely covered with a layered mixture of earth and stone, and large blocks of limestone were then applied to establish a second platform, truncated by a step pyramid (36 m × 29 m, about 10 m in height), accessible by means of a second ramp, 42 m long, built over the older one. This second temple resembles contemporary Mesopotamian ziggurats, and is attributed to the Abealzu-Filigosa culture.

Archeological excavations from the chalcolithic Abealzu-Filigosa layers indicate the Monte d"Accoddi was used for animal sacrifice, with the remains of sheep, cattle, and swine recovered in near equal proportions. It is among the earliest known sacrificial sites in Western Europe.

The site appears to have been abandoned again around 1800 BC, at the onset of the Nuragic age.

The monument was partially reconstructed during the 1980s. It is open to the public and accessible by the old route of SS131 highway, near the hamlet of Ottava. It is 14,9 km from Sassari and 45 km from Alghero. There is no public transportation to the site. The opening times vary throughout the year.

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