The Zaragoza Bullring "La Misericordia"
The Zaragoza Bullring
The Zaragoza Bullring has the distinction of being the second oldest first-class bullring in Spain, making it one of the most important venues for bullfighters, with over 250 years of history.
Also known as the La Misericordia Bullring or Coso Ramón Pignatelli, it hosts the San Jorge Fair and the Pilar Fair each year—two key events in Spain’s bullfighting season. These fairs attract top bullfighting figures, and it’s common for tickets to sell out, so it’s essential to purchase tickets for the Zaragoza Bullring in advance to ensure your place at the event.
History of the La Misericordia Bullring in Zaragoza
The La Misericordia Bullring was constructed in 1764 under the direction of architect Ramón Pignatelli and was inaugurated that same year on the eve of El Pilar Day. The bullring was built in a record time of just 70 days.
Given its age, the bullring has undergone several renovations throughout its history, notably the one in 1916 during the “Golden Age of Bullfighting,” following the designs of architects Miguel Ángel Navarro Pérez and Manuel Martínez de Ubago Lizarraga, which expanded its capacity. Years later, in 1989, another renovation was carried out to install a retractable Teflon roof.
One of the key milestones in its history is that La Misericordia hosted Spain’s first Goyesque bullfight on 12 May 1927, to commemorate the centenary of the death of painter Francisco de Goya, featuring a line-up of Rafael “El Gallo,” Pablo Lalanda, and Nicanor Villalta.
Zaragoza’s bullring was the first in Spain to have a retractable roof
Information About the Zaragoza Bullring
La Misericordia is a first-class bullring and one of the most important and traditional in Spain, with a capacity of 10,072 people. Its distinctive neo-Mudéjar architectural style, known for its great beauty, makes it one of Zaragoza’s most iconic and prestigious monuments.
The bullring has a ring with a diameter of 48 metres and includes six corrals, three small pens for separating the bulls, eight bullpens, stables for horses, and an infirmary. In addition to being the oldest first-class bullring, Zaragoza’s bullring was the first in Spain to have a retractable roof, marking a significant milestone.
The bullring is owned by the Casa-Hospicio of the Provincial Government of Zaragoza and is managed by the company Zúñiga & Toros SL.
While bullfights are the main attraction, the Zaragoza Bullring hosts a variety of popular events throughout the year, such as recortadores, anillas, toros de fuego, and vaquillas, as well as concerts and public events. This has earned it the nickname “The Cathedral of Popular Festivities” among the people of Zaragoza.
INTERESTING FACTS Plaza de toros de Zaragoza. La Misericordia
First Category
The oval shape of the arena allows for better visibility from all angles and more efficient air circulation, enhancing the experience for both spectators and bullfighters.
Capacity
Seats Subscribers
Major events
Minor performances
How to Get to the La Misericordia Bullring
The La Misericordia Bullring is located at Vicente Gómez Salvo Street, S/N, 50004, next to Ramón Pignatelli Street, between Plaza del Portillo and the Pignatelli Building. Its excellent location near the city centre makes it easily accessible. You can reach the bullring on foot, by bus (routes 21, 22, 31, 32, 41, 602, and 603), or by train on the C-1 line.
When Are the Bullfights in Zaragoza?
There are two significant times of the year when bullfights are held in Zaragoza:
First, the San Jorge Fair takes place every April, marking the start of the bullfighting season in Zaragoza. Typically, the San Jorge Bullfighting Fair features two bullfights and one novillada with picadores.
Second, the El Pilar Bullfighting Fair is the most important bullfighting event in Zaragoza, held in October in honour of the Virgen del Pilar, the patron saint of Zaragoza. This is undoubtedly one of the most eagerly anticipated events for bullfighting enthusiasts.
At Servitoro, you can find all the information about the San Jorge and El Pilar bullfighting fairs and purchase your tickets in advance.
Buy Tickets for the Zaragoza Bullring on Servitoro
If you want to experience bullfighting firsthand at La Misericordia this year, you can purchase tickets for the Zaragoza Bullring in advance through Servitoro. This way, you’ll secure your spot at one of the most important and historic bullrings in Spain.
You can buy tickets for the El Pilar Bullfighting Fair and the San Jorge Fair online, without the need to travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, all children over 4 years old pay the adult ticket price.
Access with food depends on the organiser of the show. Before entering the bullring with food, you must check with the ticket office at the bullring.
The organisers reserve all image and intellectual property rights of the show. It is forbidden to film or take photos (with or without flash) during the bullfight.
The venue opens 2 hours before the show to avoid crowds so you can find your seat in peace and quiet.
Spectators will not be allowed to enter or leave their seats during the bullfight.
The tickets are in PDF format, you have to print the tickets directly at home. The PDF file will be sent to the email address you used to make the purchase.
The Organisers reserve the right to refuse entry to the venue to any User who does not provide their ticket in physical format (paper ticket).
Please be sure to bring your paper tickets with you. Damaged mobile phone screens or internet connection problems may cause access system failures. To avoid unnecessary queues and waiting, we strongly recommend that you bring your printed tickets for the bullfighting show.
A bullfight usually lasts between 2 and 3 hours. The duration can vary depending on several factors, such as the number of bullfighters, the behaviour of the bulls, and the dynamics of the bullring.
Please be sure to bring your paper tickets with you. Damaged mobile phone screens or internet connection problems may cause access system failures. To avoid unnecessary queues and waiting, we strongly recommend that you bring your printed tickets for the bullfighting show.
The main difference between a bullfight and a bullfight with steers lies in the age and size of the animals. In a bullfight, the bulls are adults, usually between 4 and 6 years old, and are larger and stronger. In contrast, in a bullfight with steers, the steers are young bulls, less than 4 years old, and are therefore smaller in size and less experienced. Steer bullfights are often a platform for novice bullfighters and a way to prepare young bulls for future bullfights.
In case of rain, the bullfight may be suspended or delayed. The decision depends on the intensity of the rain and the conditions of the bullring. If the rain is light and ceases, the event may continue with a delay, but if it is heavy or persists, the show may be cancelled. In case of cancellation, tickets are usually refunded or rescheduled for a new date, although this may vary depending on the policies of the venue and the organisers.
