The bull has always been an animal linked to the Mediterranean culture. For example, in Minoan civilization (3500 BC – 1100 BC) there were already festivals in which bulls had a leading role.

From Ancient Greece devotion to bulls spread throughout the Mediterranean. Each culture developed its own rites and festivals where bulls were always present.

Over the centuries many of these bullfighting festivals have completely disappeared. On the contrary, in other parts of the Mediterranean (France, Spain or Portugal), bullfights are still a tremendously popular tradition. However, among all the countries where there are bullfights, Spain is undoubtedly the most representative country.

In Spain, from the Middle Ages until the 17th century, bullfights took place in the main square of each city. In the 17th century, the first bullrings in Spain began to be built.

Unlike the current bullrings, which are round, the first bullrings were rectangular like the squares of the cities. The oldest bullring in Spain is in Bejar (Salamanca) and dates from 1667. Later, the bullrings began to be built in a circular shape. 

The first bullring built in Cordoba dates from the late 18th century and was made of wood. In 1846 a large bullring (Plaza de Toros de los Tejares) with capacity for almost 10,000 spectators was inaugurated. 

The incredible influx of the public to the bullfights highlighted the need to create a new bullring. In this way in 1963 the current Los Califas Bullring was inaugurated with capacity for more than 17,000 spectators.