Anfiteatro Expo

Anfiteatro Expo is a covered open-air amphitheatre on the left bank of the Ebro river in Zaragoza, built on the grounds of the 2008 World Expo. It stands right beside the striking Bridge Pavilion designed by Zaha Hadid, forming part of the former Expo's riverside area known as the Frente Fluvial, which also includes the Water Tower and the Water Park.

Where exactly is it located?

The amphitheatre sits in the Ranillas Meander district, on the site of the former exhibition complex, a short walk from central Zaragoza across the river. Its distinctive canopy roof is visible from the paths running along the Ebro and works as a landmark for the whole post-Expo area.

How do you get there?

The easiest way in is on foot or by bike along the riverside promenade, which runs directly from the Bridge Pavilion to the amphitheatre. By public transport, the closest option is the tram stop serving the former Expo grounds, a few minutes' walk away. Drivers can use the parking areas near the old main entrance to the exhibition site.

What is the history behind the building?

The amphitheatre was designed by Spanish architect Félix Escrig Pallarés, known for his work on lightweight, deployable structures. The stage covers 600 square metres, and the covered stands hold up to 7,000 people. During Expo 2008 it served as the centrepiece of the night programme: once the pavilions closed at 10pm, concerts and shows ran here until 3am, drawing crowds that in some cases outnumbered the daytime attractions.

What happens there today?

The venue kept its concert role after the Expo ended. The city now uses it as the main stage for the Festivales del Ebro, a summer festival series. Past line-ups have included Ben Harper, Los Planetas, Sidonie and Mago de Oz in 2010, and Pablo Alborán, Fito y Fitipaldis and Julieta Venegas in 2013. Outside the concert season the amphitheatre is sometimes fenced off, so visitors hoping to sit in the stands rather than just view the structure should check ahead.

When is the best time to visit?

For a concert, June and July are the months to aim for, when the Festivales del Ebro take place. For those simply wanting to see the structure and walk the riverside promenade, any time of year works — the view of the amphitheatre, the Bridge Pavilion and the river is especially striking at sunset.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can Anfiteatro Expo hold? The covered stands have a capacity of up to 7,000 people, and the stage covers 600 square metres.

Who designed the amphitheatre? It was designed by Spanish architect Félix Escrig Pallarés, a specialist in lightweight deployable structures.

Can you visit the amphitheatre outside of concerts? The venue is sometimes fenced off when no events are scheduled, so access to the stands may be limited outside the concert season. The surrounding riverside area can be visited year-round.

What events take place there now? The main annual event is the summer Festivales del Ebro concert series, which has hosted artists such as Pablo Alborán, Fito y Fitipaldis and Ben Harper.