The stage of the Roman Theatre of Mérida will shine in a new light thanks to the collaboration between the Mérida Consortium and Fundación Iberdrola España

• Both entities have signed an agreement to upgrade the lighting of the Theatre’s stage; part of the archaeological ensemble declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and considered one of the best-preserved Roman monumental complexes in the world.
• The project, representing an investment of around €400,000, will incorporate state-of-the-art LED technology to enhance the architectural and artistic lighting of the monument, improve energy efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions.

This morning, the Roman Theatre hosted the signing of a collaboration agreement between the Consortium of the Historical, Artistic and Archaeological Monumental City of Mérida and Fundación Iberdrola España to undertake the lighting refurbishment of the iconic stage of the Roman Theatre of Mérida, one of Spain’s most representative historical and cultural landmarks.

The project, backed by an investment of approximately €400,000, will modernize the existing lighting system through the installation of cutting-edge LED technology, providing a more efficient, sustainable and heritage-sensitive lighting solution. In addition to improving the monument’s energy performance, the initiative will enhance the grandeur and architectural richness of the stage, optimizing the distribution of light across its most distinctive features and creating an improved experience for visitors and audiences alike. During the event, architect Noemí Barbero of VBNB Lighting, who is responsible for the lighting redesign, explained the process behind the new scheme.

The event was attended by Laureano León Rodríguez, Chairman of the Consortium’s Governing Board and Regional Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport of the Regional Government of Extremadura; Antonio Rodríguez Osuna, Mayor of Mérida; Jaime Alfonsín, Chairman of Fundación Iberdrola España; Ramón Castresana, Director of the Foundation; Adela Rueda, Director-General for Heritage of the Regional Government of Extremadura; Félix Palma, Director of the Mérida Monumental City Consortium; and David Martín, Iberdrola’s Institutional Delegate in Extremadura, among other representatives.

Laureano León highlighted that “the refurbishment of the Roman Theatre of Mérida’s lighting is a highly significant undertaking that will help preserve and enhance one of the foremost symbols of Extremadura’s historical and cultural heritage.” He added that“this is not simply about improving the lighting of an exceptional monument; it is also about advancing its protection while offering a better experience to the many people who visit or enjoy it as a cultural venue each year.”

The Regional Government of Extremadura expressed its appreciation to Fundación Iberdrola España for its commitment to the project and noted that this initiative demonstrates how cooperation between public institutions and private organisations can produce tangible actions that help preserve heritage while incorporating more efficient and sustainable solutions. “Caring for our heritage means protecting our history, but it also strengthens one of Extremadura’s greatest cultural and tourism assets,” concluded Laureano León.

Mayor Antonio Rodríguez Osuna stressed that“the Roman Theatre is undoubtedly the city’s most emblematic monument” and added that“this new lighting and electrical system will ensure that the use of the monument is more in keeping with its monumental significance, while also improving accessibility for visitors and tourists.”

He further underlined the commitment to “more efficient, more sustainable lighting, better suited to a monumental space of this nature and, above all, to a different way of experiencing and enjoying our heritage.”

For his part, Jaime Alfonsín, Chairman of Fundación Iberdrola España, stated:“Heritage is one of the greatest expressions of our collective identity. Thanks to this intervention, the stage of the Roman Theatre of Mérida will once again shine with a more efficient and sustainable lighting system, enhancing the beauty of an exceptional monument and reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to the conservation and promotion of culture in Extremadura, as well as to protecting a heritage legacy enjoyed by thousands of people every year.”

Brief Historical Overview of the Theatre

The Roman Theatre of Mérida was inaugurated between 16 and 15 BC by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa. It is one of the foremost symbols of the Roman legacy in Spain and one of the most iconic monuments within Mérida’s archaeological complex, one of the best-preserved in Europe. The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

Throughout its history, the building underwent several refurbishments, notably during the reign of Emperor Trajan. Its impressive structure is organised around the auditorium, the rear portico and the stage, the latter being one of the monument’s most admired spaces. The majestic stage façade, formed by two levels of Corinthian marble columns, was decorated with sculptures of deities such as Ceres, Pluto and Proserpina, as well as imperial representations that reinforced the monumentality of the ensemble.

With a semicircular plan measuring 126 metres in diameter and seating capacity for approximately 6,000 spectators, the theatre reflects the importance that performing arts held in the ancient colony of Augusta Emerita. Following its abandonment in the second half of the 4th century AD, the monument remained partially buried for centuries until major recovery campaigns began in the 20th century.

The first restoration works commenced in the 1920s under the direction of architects José Ramón Mélida, Antonio Gómez Millán and José Menéndez-Pidal, focusing particularly on stabilising the auditorium and restoring the stage area. Thanks to these efforts, the theatre recovered much of its original configuration and today remains one of Spain’s leading cultural venues, hosting the prestigious International Classical Theatre Festival of Mérida every summer.