Plaza de Toros de Elda

Plaza de Toros de Elda is a mid-20th-century bullring in the heart of Elda, in the province of Alicante, currently undergoing a major transformation into a multipurpose cultural space for residents and visitors.

Where did Elda's bullring come from?

Bullfighting in Elda has roots going back to the 17th century, with the earliest recorded spectacles dating to 1624. For centuries, corridas were staged wherever space allowed — in the Plaza de Arriba, in the courtyard of the local count's palace, near the Plaza Sagasta, and even in the town's amusement park. The city had no purpose-built venue of its own.

That changed thanks to local businessman Eustaquio Cantó Amat, who financed the construction of a permanent bullring. Work began in 1944 and took about a year and a half, with a total estimated cost of around 600,000 pesetas — a substantial sum in the post-war years. Builders used stone quarried at Bolón, supplied by quarry owner Francisco Beltrán. The ring opened on 14 July 1946, although, according to local sources, the inauguration took place before construction was fully finished.

What's the history behind the building?

For decades, the Plaza de Toros de Elda hosted not only bullfights but also film screenings and other community events. In 2021, to mark the bullring's 75th anniversary, the book "75 años de la Plaza de Toros de Elda" was published, chronicling the venue's history and the evolution of the spectacles held there. The prologue was written by well-known bullfighter Luis Francisco Esplá.

Why is the bullring being rebuilt?

The city of Elda has undertaken a full-scale renovation of the bullring and its surroundings. The goal is to turn the structure into an open, accessible, multipurpose public space where culture takes center stage — a venue for concerts, presentations, festive galas, and events built around local residents rather than bullfighting alone. The project includes a scenic opening cut into the stands to accommodate concerts, along with new dining areas designed to fold the bullring into everyday city life.

Once complete, the venue's overall capacity is expected to reach roughly 9,000 people — about 4,000 seats in the stands and up to 4,800 on the arena floor itself. The works, valued at more than €2.26 million including VAT, began later than originally planned, with completion now expected by late 2026 or early 2027.

How do you get there?

The Plaza de Toros sits in the central part of Elda, a town easily reached by road and rail from Alicante and Murcia. Because construction is ongoing, it's worth checking the current status of the works before visiting, as parts of the site may be temporarily fenced off.

What will you see once the renovation is finished?

Once finished, the bullring is set to become an open, walkable public square — for the first time, visitors will be able to cross straight through its interior along the arena's axis. The new design aims to combine the venue's historic architecture with the amenities of a modern public space: seating areas, greenery, food and drink spots, and a stage for cultural events.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Plaza de Toros de Elda built? Construction began in 1944, and the bullring was inaugurated on 14 July 1946.

Who financed the bullring's construction? Local businessman Eustaquio Cantó Amat led and financed the project.

Is the bullring still used for bullfighting? The venue is currently being renovated and will reopen as a multipurpose cultural space geared toward concerts and civic events, rather than exclusively for corridas.

When will the renovation be completed? According to the city's timeline, the works are expected to wrap up around late 2026 or early 2027.