Spain’s bullrings represent one of the country’s oldest and most emblematic cultural manifestations. Since time immemorial, these bullrings have been the stage where history, art, and tradition intertwine, capturing the essence of bullfighting. Each bullring is a living testimony to Spain’s rich cultural heritage, reflecting the evolution of a practice that has fascinated and divided society over the centuries.
Spain’s bullrings are not just venues for bullfights, but architectural monuments that vary in design and capacity. Some of the oldest and most famous bullrings, such as the Plaza de Toros de Ronda or the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas in Madrid, are world-renowned for their majesty and for being the epicentres of important bullfighting events. Las Ventas, inaugurated in 1931, is considered the cathedral of bullfighting, being the largest in Spain and one of the most important in the world. With a capacity for more than 23,000 spectators, this bullring is the place where bullfighters seek to establish themselves and gain prestige.
Each region of Spain has its own emblematic bullring, adapted to local characteristics and the specific bullfighting tradition of the area. The Maestranza in Seville, for example, is one of the oldest and most beautiful bullrings, noted for its baroque style and historical significance. Inaugurated in 1761, it is known for its demanding fans and its unique atmosphere during the Feria de Abril.
In addition to being bullfighting venues, many bullrings in Spain also house bullfighting museums where bullfighting costumes, capes, historical posters, and other bullfighting-related objects are exhibited. These museums offer an in-depth insight into the evolution of the art of bullfighting and its cultural impact in Spain.
Over time, bullfighting has generated intense debate, with passionate advocates considering it an artistic and cultural expression, and critics calling for its abolition due to ethical and animal welfare considerations. Regardless of opinions, bullrings in Spain remain a potent symbol of Spanish identity, a place where tradition and the emotion of a unique spectacle in the world come together.
These constructions have become part of the architectural history of cities beyond their main purpose.
List of the most emblematic bullrings in Spain:
Plaza de las Ventas
The Plaza de Las Ventas was built in 1929 on the site called Las Ventas del Espíritu Santo, after which it is named. It is the largest of all the bullrings in Spain, with a total surface area of 45,800 square metres and capacity for 23,797 people. Its bullring, with a diameter of 60 metres, is also one of the largest in the world, after that of the Plaza de Toros de Ronda. Las Ventas is the third largest bullring in the world after the Monumental in Mexico and the Plaza de Toros in Valencia (Venezuela), and is considered by professionals, fans and critics to be the most important bullring in the world.
The Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas is also known as La cátedra de los vientos, as it is located in one of the windiest areas of the city of Madrid, in the neighbourhood of La Guindalera, in the central district of Salamanca.
Its construction responds to the need to expand bullfighting in the city of Madrid due to its boom, and to the impossibility of achieving it with the old Plaza de Toros de Madrid. Its ideologist was the legendary matador ‘Joselito’ who, hoping that more Madrilenians could see him fight, proposed the construction of a new bullring, more imposing, bigger and capable of bringing bullfighting to the general public with cheaper tickets.
His tragic death prevented him from seeing his dream come true. The construction was entrusted to the renowned architect José Espeliú in 1922, who also died without seeing it completed. The project was taken up by another prominent architect of the time, Manuel Muñoz Monasterio, one of the architects of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium . It took seven years to build.
Maestranza Bullring
The Maestranza bullring, an unrivalled jewel of bullfighting, has raised its white lime walls on a hill near the Guadalquivir River – known as the Baratillo hill – since 1765. Built over more than 120 years in the old district of El Arenal, great names in bullfighting such as Juan Belmonte, Manolete and José Tomás have paraded and continue to parade in the arenas of this bullring. It is no wonder: tradition dictates that every bullfighter, in order to be recognised as a figurehead, must first triumph in this bullring, as it is without doubt one of the most popular bullrings in Spain.
The origin of its construction is closely linked to the Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla, a centuries-old noble organisation founded under the protection of the Crown to promote the practice of riding and the handling of weapons. It is also one of the most beautiful examples of bullfighting architecture in the world, with structural oddities that have now become treasures: the elliptical and irregular shape of its bullring, in contrast to the usual circular shape; or its peculiar architectural style, halfway between late Baroque and Classicism.
Every year, the Real Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza begins its bullfighting season on Easter Sunday. Together with Las Ventas, it is considered one of the most important bullrings in Spain with the longest bullfighting tradition and is known as “The Cathedral of Bullfighting”. It is one of the oldest bullrings in Spain.
Béjar Bullring
If we talk about the oldest bullrings in Spain, the Plaza de Toros de Béjar, known as “La Ancianita”, stands as the oldest in Spain and one of the oldest in the world, with a history dating back to its inauguration in 1711. Located in the province of Salamanca, like many bullrings in Spain, it is a treasure of Spain’s bullfighting heritage. Its classical design features a circular floor plan and a capacity for approximately 3,000 spectators, providing an intimate and intimate atmosphere for bullfighting events.
The history of “La Ancianita” is deeply intertwined with the local culture and traditions of Béjar. Since its construction, it has been the scene of countless bullfights, becoming a symbol of the region’s rich bullfighting tradition. The bullring has maintained its authenticity over the centuries, preserving its original structure and historical charm.
In addition to being an important centre for bullfighting, the Plaza de Toros de Béjar also hosts various cultural events and festivals, reinforcing its central role in the community life of the town. The bullring not only celebrates the bullfighting tradition, but also serves as a space for cultural expression and social gathering, highlighting its continued relevance in the community of bullrings in Spain.
La Malagueta Bullring
The Plaza de Toros de La Malagueta was built in 1874 by the Malaga architect Joaquín Rucoba, who was inspired by neo-Mudejar architecture for his design. Rucoba had studied in Madrid and Paris, and was one of the main representatives of architectural eclecticism in Spain. His work became one of the most emblematic bullrings in Spain.
The construction of La Malagueta bullring was carried out thanks to the initiative of a group of bullfighting businessmen and enthusiasts from Malaga, who organised themselves into a society called “La Malagueta”. The aim of the society was to build a modern and functional bullring, which could accommodate a large number of spectators in order to make it one of the best bullrings in Spain.
La Malagueta bullring was inaugurated on 11th June 1876, with a bullfight in which the bullfighters “El Tato”, “Frascuelo” and “Lagartijo” took part. Since then, the bullring has been the scene of numerous bullfights and bullfighting events, making it one of the most important bullfighting venues in Spain.
In 1981, the Plaza de Toros de La Malagueta was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest by the Junta de Andalucía, thus recognising its historical and architectural value and making it one of the most outstanding bullrings in Spain. Nowadays, the bullring is still an emblematic place in Malaga and one of the main tourist attractions of the city.
Valencia Bullring
Although the Plaza de Toros is a relatively modern building, dating back to the mid-19th century, bullfighting is a very old tradition in Valencia. According to some historians, bullfighting celebrations were practised in Neolithic Turkey (in 3000 BC), while the bullfight itself dates back to the Roman gladiatorial games (1st century BC), making it one of the oldest bullrings in Spain.
The Plaza de Toros is an amphitheatre that resembles the Roman Coliseum, although on a much smaller scale. The neoclassical style of this work is evident in its similarity to Greco-Roman buildings
The building has a cylindrical shape composed of orders of galleries that rise above each other. Although the shape of the square appears to be circular, it is in fact a polygon with 48 sides, each arch forming one of its flanks.
Ronda Square
In neoclassical style, this is one of the oldest and most beautiful bullrings in Spain. The building, of singular beauty, is attributed to Martín de Aldehuela. It is the third most visited monument in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia. The entrance façade is of great architectural interest, with a central balcony forged in very fine ironwork with bullfighting allusions, supported by Tuscan columns, with the royal coat of arms in the centre. Its bullring, with a diameter of 66 metres, is the widest in the world.
Historical bull: On the 21st of May 1864, Marismeño, a bull from the herd of Dolores Monje, widow of Murube, was fought in the bullring of Ronda (Malaga). He took the extraordinary number of fifty-one rods, killing four horses; they wanted to spare his life, but because of the many wounds he had it was impossible. The public requested, and this was done, that at the time of the dragging, the bull was given a lap of the ring, with music played in his honour.
The needs of defence of the territory led Philip II to found in 1572 the Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda, the current owner of the bullring, in order to maintain the necessary handling of the horses. To this end, this body dedicated a space in the city for equestrian exercises, which, as has been traditional in Spain since the Middle Ages, included games of skill with bulls. It is therefore one of the oldest and most historic bullrings in Spain.
Talavera de la Reina Bullring
Another of the most important bullrings in Spain is the bullring La Caprichosa, a mecca of bullfighting, located next to the Basílica del Prado.
It was inaugurated during the patron saint fairs of September 1890 with a historicist style typical of the bullrings of the 19th century. On that day, six bulls of Enrique Salamanca were fought by Fernando Gómez Gallo and Antonio Arana, “Jarana”.
For its construction, the old bullring and hospital for the poor and transients sponsored by the Ermita del Prado (El Prado Hermitage) was used. Its construction was not completed until 1958, culminating with the upper boxes. The current bullring is made up of a large grandstand, corrals and complementary facilities.
Lovers of bullfighting consider this bullring to be the Mecca of bullfighting, sadly remembered for the death of the famous José Gómez Gallito “Joselito” on 16th May 1920, whose bronze bust can be seen in the central walkway of the Gardens.
Like many of the bullrings in Spain, it has a very remarkable and at the same time sad curiosity, related to the death of the bullfighter Joselito.
Aranda de Duero bullring LA CHATA and La Ribera
A bullring, which was projected from the idea of not only building a new bullring, but it was also intended to be a Dotacional Centre, which would fulfil the services provided to the residents of Aranda, in such a way that it would become an asset of social interest and not only one of the best bullrings in Spain.
Previously “La Chata”, the oldest bullring in Aranda, was built thanks to the financial contributions of many Arandinos, who, before having a bullring, every year built a wooden bullring, which even had a small roof, to be dismantled once the September bullfighting fair in honour of the patron saint, Our Lady the Virgin of Las Viña, was over.
On the 12th of September 1948 “La Chata” was inaugurated with two names in the history of bullfighting: Ángel Luis Bienvenida and Pepín Martín Vázquez, who were accompanied by the rejoneador El Duque de Pinohermoso, who opened the bullfight by rejoneando a bull from his own livestock. Undoubtedly one of the bullrings in Spain with more historical relevance in the bullfighting events of the country.
Baeza Bullring
One of the most curious bullrings in Spain is the bullring of Baeza, which was inaugurated in 1891, being one of the oldest in Spain and declared a historic-artistic site by Unesco.
It has a neo-Mudejar style, both inside and on the exterior façades, where horseshoe arches predominate. Some of the materials were reused from some churches and properties abandoned after the disentailment, such as the Convent of La Victoria, as well as from the remains of the first bullring.
It has a capacity of 6500 seats and is owned by the Town Hall.
The Plaza del Mercado ceased to be used as a bullring in the middle of the 18th century when the old bullring was built on the threshing floors behind the Church of Los Descalzos, which in 1861 was one of the seven in the province, with a capacity for 2,500 people. The famous bullfighter Manuel Fuentes Bocanegra died there in 1889. Shortly afterwards, it was replaced by the current bullring, built in El Ejido, and for a good while it was the home of the Cine Alcázar cinema. A bullring in Spain with a long history that has been updated to adapt to new generations and current events.
Barcelona’s bullring. The Monumental
If we talk about bullrings in Spain, we cannot forget La Monumental. The bullring was inaugurated in 1914 under the name of “El Sport”. Two years later it was renamed “La Monumental”. It is a brick building, its style is a mixture of neo-Mudejar and Byzantine. It has a capacity of 19,582 seats… perhaps hence the name “Monumental”.
From the very beginning, “La Monumental” acquired great prestige due to the quality of the bullfighting shows it offered, being considered one of the three most prestigious bullrings in Spain. From June 1977 it became the only bullring in Barcelona after the disappearance of the Plaza del Torín.
Los Califas Bullring – Cordoba
The Plaza de Toros “Los Califas” in Cordoba is a relatively modern bullring, work began in 1963 and its purpose was to replace the old Tejares bullring. It was designed by the architect Juan Cuenca Montilla and built in the neighbourhood of El Arenal, in the eastern part of the city.
The Cordoba Bullring, located in the heart of the Spanish city of Cordoba, is an emblematic monument that has marked local bullfighting history and culture since its construction. Known for its architectural beauty and its importance in the Spanish bullfighting circuit, the bullring is a symbol of the tradition and passion for bullfighting in the region. Its history is intertwined with the identity of Cordoba, attracting tourists and aficionados from all over the world to witness the exciting bullfights and participate in the bullfighting festivities held in this historic enclave. It is thus positioned as one of the best bullrings in Spain.
Plaza de la Flecha. Arroyo de la Encomienda
Among the bullrings in Spain, the Plaza de Toros La Flecha, also known as Plaza de Toros Arroyo de la Encomienda, is one of the emblematic places of this town located in the province of Valladolid, in the autonomous community of Castilla y León, Spain. With a rich bullfighting history and tradition, this venue has witnessed countless bullfights, as well as other events and gatherings of various kinds.
It was inaugurated in 1852 and since then it has been the scene of countless bullfighting spectacles, becoming a symbol of the cultural and artistic tradition of the city and a very cool bullring in Spain to see.
León Arena
Itopened its doors for the first time in 1948, its architects being the Madrid architects Miguel de Codes and Francisco Javier Yarnoz. The unique thing about this square is that it was built by the people of León, leaving behind the wooden squares that were seen in many places at the time.
In this recently restored Plaza de Toros de España, renamed today as “León Arena”, traditional bullfights and bullfights take place during the Fiestas of San Juan and San Pedro. But not only that, it is also the venue for musical concerts and cultural and even sporting events that require a large seating capacity.
Mérida Square
Mérida has enjoyed a rich bullfighting history going back centuries, giving it one of the best bullrings in Spain. Capeas, or informal bullfights, have been an integral part of the social and cultural life of the city since medieval times. The main square used to be the setting for various bullfighting celebrations until the end of the 18th century. Even the Roman Theatre, another iconic monument of Mérida, served as a stage for bullfighting events for a period.
The Plaza de Toros de Mérida that we see today is the result of several attempts to establish a space dedicated to bullfighting. It was in 1902 that the foundations were laid for the construction of a “monumental” bullring, coinciding with the industrial and commercial boom that the city was experiencing thanks to the development of the railway.
A fascinating aspect of the construction was the discovery of a deposit of Roman sculptures during the levelling of the land, which reinforces the archaeological richness of the area. The work was completed in 1914, and the bullring was inaugurated on 5 July of the same year, resulting in one of Spain’s most important bullrings on the national scene.
Osuna Bullring
The Plaza de Toros de Osuna, the product of the designs of Aníbal González, began to be built at the beginning of 1902 with ashlars from the ancient Roman city of Osuna. It is undoubtedly one of the oldest bullrings in Spain. It was inaugurated on 13 May 1904, with Montes and Chamaquito, the leading figures of the time, on the bill, with the aim of transferring the bullfighting festivities that were previously held in the town squares. In May 1999, the bullring became a municipal bullring after being purchased by the Osuna Town Council .
The bullring of Osuna has been the privileged setting for several television commercials, short films, photographic reports and filming, the most important of which was the impressive final sequence of the fifth season of Game of Thrones.
As you can see, Spain’s bullrings are much more than just stages for bullfighting; they are authentic historical and cultural monuments that reflect the rich tradition and heritage of their respective regions. From the majesty of Las Ventas in Madrid to the historic “La Ancianita” in Béjar and the modern bullring in Íscar, each of these arenas offers a unique window into the past and present of Spanish culture.
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