15 Fascinating Things to Do and See in Merida, Spain

Today we would like to introduce you to a pleasant town in western Spain: Merida, the capital of Extremadura. Since 1993, Mérida has been a World Heritage town for its outstanding Roman ruins. As a former provincial capital of the Romans, Emerita was planned on a grand scale – as many of today’s ruins still show. So, if you are interested in the ancient Roman culture, you will find many fascinating things to do and see in Merida!

Merida, often overlooked by tourists in Spain, has many fascinating and varied Roman artifacts. Here are the 15 best things to do and see in Mérida! (Our featured image show the Roman Theatre.)

Merida, often overlooked by tourists in Spain, has many fascinating and varied Roman artifacts. Here are the 15 best things to do and see in Mérida! [photo credit ]

Things to Do and See in Merida

In this post, we show you 15 of the best places to see in Merida. If you want to spend longer you will find more attractions, both Roman sites and other interesting museums. Merida certainly has its fair share of interesting historic sights, so add it to your Spain itinerary!

Before you start, you might want to first read a bit about Merida’s history [< click this link to jump to short history summary within this article]. This post also includes a map of all places to see in Merida and how to find them.


1. The Roman Theatre

Plaza Margarita Xirgu, 06800 Mérida (Extremadura)
– located on a hill just outside the centre, called Cerro de San Albin

A panorama photo of the Roman Theatre in Mérida, Spain. To this day, it is being used for performances.

A panorama photo of the Roman Theatre in Mérida, Spain. To this day, it is being used for performances.

This is probably the best known attraction of Merida! The first Roman Theatre was constructed in 16 BC on orders from Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, a General, Consul and friend of Emperor Augustus. It offered seating for up to 6,000 spectators. During the following centuries of Roman rule, it was remodelled several times, the last between AD 330 and 340, when new decorative architectural elements and a walkway around it were added.

The Roman Theatre is the pride of this small town. It’s still in use, to this day. When we were leaving from our visit, a group of school kids, all dressed up in Roman gladiator costumes, were just entering. Every summer, the theatre is used for Merida’s Classical Theatre Festival, Festival Internacional de Teatro Clásico de Mérida .

When we visited Orange in France , we thought we had found a really outstanding example of a well-preserved Roman theatre; the one in Merida certainly rivals it!


2. The Roman Amphitheatre

Part of Mérida's Roman Amphitheatre. This structure was already partly dismantled during later Roman rule, when gladiator games were outlawed.

Part of Mérida’s Roman Amphitheatre. This structure was already partly dismantled during later Roman rule, when gladiator games were outlawed.

Right next door, in the same complex, is the Anfiteatro Romano. This is where the Gladiators would hold their bloody fights for the amusement of the spectators. The amphitheatre structure is not quite as well preserved, but its size is very impressive. It used to seat nearly 14,000 people. The reason for its poor state is that part of the amphitheatre had already been dismantled during the Roman era. When the Romans converted to Christianity, gladiator contests were soon banned.

Life-size perspex models of the various types of fighters line many of the passage ways into the Roman Amphitheatre, explaining the roles of different participants in the ring.


3. The Amphitheater House

One of the many beautiful coloured mosaic floors in the complex of the Amphitheater House of Mérida.

One of the many beautiful coloured mosaic floors in the complex of the Amphitheater House of Mérida. This complex was closed during our visit, so we missed it. [photo credit ]

To the north of the amphitheatre, just a across a small park, lie the remains of a site called Casa del Anfiteatro. It contains a section of the town wall, another section of the aqueduct of San Lázaro, a water decanting tower, and the ruins of two Roman houses. Reportedly (see the photo above), there are several very well preserved colourful mosaic floors, frescos, and other elaborate decorations.

Closed due to conservation works for nearly 10 years, the site of the Casa del Anfiteatro might open again soon [I read a Spanish article from April 2019, promising a time frame of around 5 more months]. A complex roof is being installed to protect the frescoes and precious mosaic floors from the elements. But don’t despair, just down the hill from the Roman Theatre, are the excavations of Casa del Mitreo, a grand Roman Villa.

[More small photos of the Casa del Anfiteatro at this Spanish site. ]


4. Roman House of Mitreo

Calle Oviedo, 06800 Mérida
– next to the dark red painted bull ring

Mérida, Spain: a view from the raised walkway into the remains of the Roman House of Mitreo. You can clearly see the mosaic floors of the 2 rooms in the foreground and the columns of one of the 3 patios.

Mérida, Spain: a view from the raised walkway into the remains of the Roman House of Mitreo. You can clearly see the mosaic floors of the 2 rooms in the foreground and the columns of one of the 3 patios.

This is one of the largest Roman villas found anywhere in Europe! The richness and size of the discovery leads to the assumption that this was once the house of a very wealthy man of the Roman elite. It covers over two-thousand square metres, including the external bath house.

The remains of Casa del Mitreo (also called House of Mithraeum) came as a big surprise to everybody involved. Although it was known that there could be Roman ruins in the ground, the land had been farmed until the early 20th century, then covered with a new road. In 1964, it was decided to construct a large health centre on the site. Early excavations revealed the extent of what had been hidden in the ground for centuries, so the planned health centre was moved to another site. To this day, archaeological work is ongoing at this site.

Earlier, during construction of the bull fighting arena across the road, some exquisite marble statues were discovered (today you can see these in the Roman Museum). Back then, experts believed that this might have been the ground of a former Roman temple – not realising how close they were to the footings of Casa del Mitreo.

Outside of the protective roof, over the main structure of the Roman House of Mitreo, archaeological excavations are ongoing.

Outside of the protective roof, over the main structure of the Roman House of Mitreo, archaeological excavations are ongoing.

So far, the site has revealed an extensive building with three sizeable patios, all surrounded by several rooms with beautiful mosaic floors. Also, large sections of the lower walls, including surprisingly well preserved colourful wall paintings, have been unearthed.

Today, you enter the complex through a gate at the corner of the road. The main building has been covered from the elements by an airy protective roof. You can circle the entire structure on a raised walkway, which offers good views into the individual rooms. Well written signs in Spanish and English explain what you can see in its historical context. Our assessment: don’t miss this site!


5. The Roman Bridge

Corner Paseo Roma and Calle del Puente, 06800 Mérida
– right outside the Alcazaba

The old Roman bridge, which spans the Guadiana River in Mérida for 792 metres.

The old Roman bridge, which spans the Guadiana River in Mérida for 792 metres.

Built during the days of Emperor Augustus, the Roman Bridge is 792m long, making it one of the longest in Europe. It was part of the important Roman road connection with Tarragona, crossing the Guadiana River. The rounded footings of the Puente Romano pillars are so well designed that it has survived numerous floods. The bridge has been through several renovations and still serves as a popular foot bridge. Vehicle traffic is now diverted to the new Puente de Lusitania, a little downriver.


6. Alcazaba de Mérida

Paseo Roma, 06800 Mérida
– at the banks of the Guadiana River

The fortified walls of the Alcazaba de Mérida, as photographed from the Roman bridge, which crosses the Guadiana River.

The fortified walls of the Alcazaba de Mérida, as photographed from the Roman bridge, which crosses the Guadiana River. [photo credit ]

This is the only Moorish structure of any significance and size left in Merida. It’s not by chance that the Arab Citadel is right by the Roman Bridge. This great fortress was built by the Muslim Umayyad Emir Abd ar-Rahman II in 835 AD. It had multiple purposes: to control all traffic coming across the bridge, to serve as the headquarters for Umayyad administrative offices, and as a residence for the local governor. Its enormous square housed the Moorish garrison.

The large compound integrated several older Roman and Visigoth structures and features. For example, the squarish building above the deep cistern, the only one of its kind in the Iberian archaeology, was built with Roman and Visigoth decorative stones. The marble pillars, which support the central dividing wall of the stairwell, are of clearly Roman origin.

One of the entrances to the cistern inside the Alcazaba de Mérida. The large marble stones decorating the entrance are from Visigoth times.

One of the entrances to the cistern inside the Alcazaba de Mérida. The large marble stones decorating the entrance are from Visigoth times.

Inside the Moorish cistern at the Alcazaba de Mérida: this centre marble pillar looks like it came from Roman times.

Inside the Moorish cistern at the Alcazaba de Mérida: this centre marble pillar looks like it came from Roman times.

 

To understand this interesting structure, you need to know a bit about its use. A water supply inside the citadel was vital if the place came under attack. The double stairs with their wide treads had a specific purpose: the Moors used mules to carry water up. These mules came down one side, were loaded, and then walked up the other.


7. Archaeological Area of ​​Morería

Paseo Roma, 06800 Mérida
– just up the road from the Alcazaba

Merida's Archaeological Area of ​​Morería is now covered with modern office buildings.

Merida’s Archaeological Area of ​​Morería is now covered with modern office buildings.

If you think about it, what happened to this site is a shame! Excavations for a new Extremadura government building unearthed extensive Roman relics, including 2 intersecting former Roman roads. The archeaological team was given very little time to explore the site in-depth. The large building was redesigned to be raised on concrete pillars, driven right through the Roman remains, and to cover up most of the excavations.

We found this the least interesting of all Roman sites. Entry it is included in Merida’s “Ticket to the Full Monumental Complex” (please see our section below for entry prices), so you might as well have a look around. And one should maybe put it into perspective: all of Merida is built on top of an ancient Roman city – this is only one of the more recent buildings.


8. Plaza de España

Merida, Spain: it's central square, Plaza de España, in the glow of the afternoon sun. In the foreground the 19th century marble fountain.

Merida, Spain: it’s central square, Plaza de España, in the glow of the afternoon sun. In the foreground the 19th century marble fountain. [photo credit ]

The main square of the old city, Plaza de España, is framed by beautiful historic facades from various periods. Most houses offer outdoor eateries and bars where you can sit and watch the world pass by. In the centre of the plaza stands a large late 19th century marble fountain.

One corner is taken up by the 13th century Church of Santa María de la Asunción. The reason that you encounter so many 13th century churches lies in the fact that it marks the time when the former Islamic rulers were defeated in southern Spain. The Moors had demolished many places of Christian worship.

The Church of Santa María de la Asunción, as seen from Plaza de España, Merida's central square.

The Church of Santa María de la Asunción, as seen from Plaza de España, Merida’s central square.


9. Arch of Trajan

Calle Trajano 8, 06800 Mérida

This is the remaining taller central arch of a former triple gate. It formed the access to a Roman temple and the large Roman Forum.
You can find conflicting statements about the Arch of Trajan in literature and on the internet. In all likelihood it was not a triumphal arch, as some claim, but one of the main town access gates; slots for old door hinges at its base support this theory.

 

10. Temple of Diana

Calle Santa Catalina 7, 06800 Mérida

The front of the Temple of Diana in Merida. The building behind, part of the palace of the Count of los Corbos, houses a small museum.

The front of the Temple of Diana in Merida. The building behind, part of the palace of the Count of los Corbos, houses a small museum.

One of the oldest buildings in Merida, the majestic Temple of Diana and the square around it, were designed during Augustus‘ time, the founding period of the Roman city. It stands on an elevated rectangular base with six columns forming the facade. These granite columns feature typical Corinthian capitals.

Later the Visigoths and the Moors made use of its structure, until it became an integral part of a palace built by the Count of los Corbos. This explains its well preserved state. In 1972, the palace became public property, opening the opportunity for further restoration work. There’s a small museum in the adjoining building, which used to be part of the old palace. But on weekdays it’s only open an hour in the morning and an hour in the late afternoon – we had no luck.


11. Entrance of the Roman Forum

Calle Sagasta, 06800 Mérida

The gate of the former Roman Forum can be found in one of the quiet pedestrian streets of Merida. The statues are copies, the originals can be seen in the Roman Museum.

The gate of the former Roman Forum can be found in one of the quiet pedestrian streets of Merida. The statues are copies, the originals can be seen in the Roman Museum.

Since it’s on the way you might as well stop and have a look at the Pórtico del Foro. You should know that most of what you see today out in the open are replicas, the originals are safely preserved in the Roman Museum, back on the hill at Cerro de San Albin.


12. Basilica of Santa Eulalia

Avda. Extremadura 13, 06800 Mérida

Merida's Basilica of Santa Eulalia with the remains of a Roman Temple of Mars in front.

Merida’s Basilica of Santa Eulalia with the remains of a Roman Temple of Mars in front. [photo credit ]

A 13th century church, built on the original site of a Visigoth basilica, which was destroyed by the Islamic rulers of Merida. It’s dedicated to the patron saint of Merida, the martyr Santa Eulalia. The atrium of the Basilica of Santa Eulalia contains the remains of a Roman Temple of Mars. Confession: we didn’t walk this far, we only drove past.


13. National Museum of Roman Art

Calle José Ramón Mélida, 06800 Mérida
– at the Roman Theatre, as the museum is located diagonally opposite

The Roman museum in Merida contains this reconstructed Roman living room - complete with copies of furniture. This, of course, would have been the house of somebody of wealth.

The Roman museum in Merida contains this reconstructed Roman living room – complete with copies of furniture. This, of course, would have been the house of somebody of wealth.

This is the first museum, outside Madrid, which is classified as a National Museum. This fact alone shows the importance and quality of the Roman finds in this city. The new museum is the design of the architect Rafael Moneo and was opened in 1986.

The National Museum of Roman Art houses an extensive and exquisite collection of Roman artifacts, from fragile jewellery to marble statues to room-sized mosaics. All originate from digs in, or around, Merida. In its basement you will find more Roman excavations in progress; no surprise, since the whole city is built on top of a Roman settlement.

In hindsight, I must say that we didn’t spend enough time to take it all in. I would recommend allowing at least 3 hours for the Roman Museum. Entry is only €3 p.p., but is not included in the “Ticket to the Full Monumental Complex”. The museum is closed on Mondays and some Holidays.

Please click thumbnails below for a larger photo with description.

This is the last sight within easy walking distance of the centre. But Merida has a few more sites on the outskirts.


14. Los Milagros Roman Aqueduct

Avda. Vía de la Plata, 06800 Mérida (Extremadura)

The Los Milagros Roman Aqueduct in Merida, Spain. The granite and red brick arches are up to 27m tall and now provide perfect nesting places for storks.

The Los Milagros Roman Aqueduct in Merida, Spain. The granite and red brick arches are up to 27m tall and now provide perfect nesting places for storks.

To supply the growing city with water, the Romans built reservoirs nearby, a couple of which are still in use today and can be visited if you have a vehicle. The Los Milagros Aqueduct [the miracle aqueduct] supplied the city with water from the Proserpina Reservoir, 10 kilometres away.

It is constructed from granite blocks and fired red bricks. Bricks and cement are two building materials, which were first developed by the Romans. Some say that the combination of natural stone with red brick later inspired masterpieces of the Islamic Caliphate architecture in Andalusia. The tallest arches that are still standing reach almost 27 metres. Nowadays, the aqueduct is a favourite nesting place for storks.

The 145 metre long bridge near the aqueduct, which crosses the Albarregas River, is also of Roman origin. It was built during Augustus‘ time and was part of the ancient Vía de la Plata.


15. The Roman Circus of Mérida

Avda. de Juan Carlos I, 06800 Mérida

The Circo Romano in Merida was modelled after the Circus Maximus in Rome. Here the chariot races were held in front of up to 30,000 spectators.

The Circo Romano in Merida was modelled after the Circus Maximus in Rome. Here the chariot races were held in front of up to 30,000 spectators. [photo credit ]

Located in the north-east of the city, the large Circo Romano was inspired by the Circus Maximus in Rome. It was the place for chariot races. It measures more than 400m in length and 30m in width, which makes it one of the largest in the Roman empire. It provided space for about 30,000 spectators.

The Roman Circus is the another site we unfortunately didn’t see in Merida. It’s said to be well preserved.


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A Brief History of Merida

Allow me to highlight the former importance of Merida for a better understanding of the things to see in Merida. This will put the magnitude and grandeur of today’s ruins into better context.

Although the region had been settled before, the first city was founded by the Romans in 25AD, after the successful conquest of Hispania under Emperor Augustus, to serve as a retreat for the veteran soldiers (emeritus). Thus, it gained its original name Emerita Augusta, which was later shortened from Emerita to Mérida.

The city was created as an idealised model of Rome and was the capital of Lusitania, the western-most province of the Roman Empire. As such, it had all the main structures, which were of significance for any Roman city of considerable size and prestige.

After the Romans retreated from from the Iberian Peninsular, the city was taken over by Visigoths of Germanic heritage. Then the Moors invaded southern Spain and made Merida one of the three border capitals of their Al-Andalus empire. Both added to the city’s fortifications.

Most significant sights today date from these times. The UNESCO World Heritage listing sums this up nicely:

Mérida is an excellent example of a provincial Roman capital during the empire and in the subsequent years. Its historic development is evidenced until today in its street pattern and many constructions still have their original function (bridge, dyke, Arch of Trajano, dams, sewers, Aqueduct of San Lázaro, etc.) or have been rehabilitated for modern use, such as the Circus or Theatre[..]. The buildings for leisure form an outstanding ensemble with the amphitheatre, theatre, landscaped peristyle and circus. The aqueducts and other water management elements, in an excellent state of conservation, are recognised as being among the best examples from the Roman era. In addition, the historical evolution can be traced in representative buildings of other important periods of history, such as the reinforced walls of the Visigoth era, the Paleo-Christian basilicas of Santa Eulalia and Casa Herrera or Santa Lucia del Trampal, and the Alcazaba (fortress) and its outstanding aljibe (tank) from the Muslim era.
Quoted from the UNESCO WHC Listing of Merida



Practical Information and Prices

Getting Around

Before you plan your sightseeing, let me put you at ease: Merida is not as big a capital city as you might expect! It’s small and quiet, with barely 60,000 inhabitants. Its historic centre is compact and hilly, but it has no really steep mountains. A large part of the centre is free of motor cars. As such, you can easily explore all main things to see in Merida on foot. In summer there’s also a small sightseeing trolley, for a nominal fee [€2/person when we visited], to connect all main sights.

Three (or four, if you count the currently closed Casa del Anfiteatro) of the main attractions are in one location called the “Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida”. We visited numbers 4 to 13 of the places to see on foot, walking clockwise from the Roman Theatre down to the river, then through the pedestrian centre uphill back to the Roman Museum. I have listed these in the order we came to them, not by importance.

A city map Mérida, Spain. I marked all things to see with yellow squares and black numbers.

A city map Mérida, Spain. I marked all things to see with yellow squares and black numbers.


Entry Fees

Your best option is to buy the combined ticket, called “Ticket to the Full Monumental Complex”, to see all attractions in Merida. When we visited [February 2024] it was only €17. You can buy this ticket at any of the main sites with entry fees. Credit cards are accepted.

Entry to the complex with the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre is €6 alone, another €6 for the House of Mitreo and €6 for the Alcazaba – both sites you would be likely to visit. Current prices, and reductions for all sites in Merida, can be looked up here [in Spanish].

Many other places, like the Roman Bridge, the Temple of Diana, the Milagros Aqueduct, the Roman Circus, etc. are “just standing around” – you can visit them at any time without paying.


Where to Eat in Merida

It’s unusual for us to recommend places to eat. With special dietary requirements and a low budget we don’t eat out very often. In Merida we were really pleased with our small lunch at 100 Montaditos. Later we came past NATURA GastroArt. We saw their food and thought this might have been an even better option. Rex Numitor gets many good reviews, and the Michelin award is the jewel in their crown.

  • $ 100 Montaditos, Avda. Constitución 36, 06800 Mérida (near the Arch of Trajan)
    Beer hall and outside seating with small snacks. Their mini bread sticks (called montaditos) are quite tasty; vegetarian options available too.
    Menu (in Spanish)
    Funny fact: this is a Spanish franchise group, yet you can find 100 Montaditos in Mérida, México, too!
  • $-$$ NATURA GastroArt, Calle Berzocana 18, 06800 Mérida (near the Temple of Diana)
    Innovative cuisine, including Vegetarian and Vegan dishes.
    Facebook Link
  • $$ Restaurante Rex Numitor, [temporarily closed 2023-24] Calle Castelar 1, 06800 Mérida (opposite the Alcazaba)
    Recommended for their highly-praised gazpacho, local cuisine, and yummy deserts.
    Rex Numitor [< link to home page] was awarded a Bib Gourmand from Michelin.
A tempting dish from the Restaurant Rex Numitor

A tempting dish from the Restaurant Rex Numitor in Merida.


Merida with a Campervan or RV

We used the Park4Night app and spent a night boon-docking near the stadium. We left our camper parked there all day for free. Merida has official spaces for campers in walking distance to the Roman Museum, but this parking lot is shared with buses, a fact which made it less attractive to us.


Best Time to Visit Merida

I should have worded the header the other way round! The wettest time in the south-west of Spain and the east of Portugal is November and December. Expect more local tourists around Semana Santa (roughly 2 weeks leading up to Easter). Mid summer can be uncomfortably hot for many, with temperatures in the mid 30s°C (around 100°F), often reaching over 40°C (over 105°F). This leaves you all the rest of the year. ;)


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I would recommend spending 2 days. Of course, this depends on how much you would like to see in Merida. We arrived early one afternoon (before the end of the Spanish siesta) and visited the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre the same afternoon. The next day we got up early and visited all other sights. Despite a very brief lunch, we felt that we didn’t spend enough time in the Roman Museum, our last stop. Early in the evening we drove off towards Cáceres, stopping at the aqueduct on the way.

There is more to do and see in Merida, if you are interested. The town has other Roman sites and 2 more unique museums:

  • The Museum of Visigoth Art and Culture, Calle Santa Julia 1, in the Santa Clara convent church, 06800 Mérida. Combined entry ticket with the National Museum of Roman Art.
  • Extremadura Geology Museum, Mérida Open Museum, Calle Cabo Verde, 06800 Mérida. “Its collection has made this museum one of the most important in Spain.” Free entry.
A typical quiet street scene from Merida in Spain.

A typical quiet street scene from Merida in Spain.

A side view of the Temple of Diana. This shows how the former Roman temple was integrated into the palace built by the Count of los Corbos, with one wall still filling the space between 2 Roman columns.

A side view of the Temple of Diana. This shows how the former Roman temple was integrated into the palace built by the Count of los Corbos, with one wall still filling the space between 2 Roman columns.

 

Conclusion

Yes, Merida is a must-visit place for anybody with an interest in Roman history! The town is pleasant, fairly quiet, and certainly not overrun by tourists. Now, you might think that Merida is too far out of the way to make it worth a trip… Please reconsider!

There is so much to do in a fairly compact region that it justifies a longer journey to get there! The whole area, including the border region of Portugal, is full of interesting places to see. And don’t forget, most of continental Europe is now a without real borders – you won’t even notice that you’ve crossed into Portugal (except that the road signs read differently).

It’s around 80 kilometres, via good roads, from Mérida to Elvas in Portugal, the World Heritage listed town, recognised for the largest bulwarked fortifications in the world . From Elvas it’s barely another 50 kilometres to reach Vila Viçosa, the former summer residence of Portugal’s Royal Family . Less than 75 kilometres north of Mérida you can visit Cáceres, another UNESCO World Heritage listed town known for its Moorish fortifications, Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Even Lisbon is less than 300 kilometres away. Seville is 200 kilometres to the south. So what are you waiting for? This entire region is begging to be explored by car! And I can promise one thing: you will not have to share any of these sights with masses of tourists!


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Our PINTEREST image shows the Roman Temple of Diana in Merida - with text overlay.
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Our choice guidebook for people who are looking for valuable information about Spain: the DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Spain ! This book is for travellers who are more interested in the sights than recommendations for restaurants or hotels.

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Juergen

webmaster, main photographer & driver, second cook and only husband at dare2go.com. Freelance web designer with 20+ years of experience at webbeetle.com.au

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12 Responses

  1. Kate says:

    I can’t believe the intricate detail and great condition the mosaic floors of the Amphitheater are in! Even those in the museum are in such gorgeous condition! I can’t believe everything in the museum was found during a dig around Merida and is still so well preserved.

  2. I love all the ruins! Many of your first stops in the article reminded me of similar amphitheaters in Jordan where the Romans also built amazing stone sites. How wonderful to see their work in Spain too.

  3. Kathleen says:

    Wow! What an absolutely wonderful post. I had no idea about all of this and I love archaeological sites. This is a whole city of them! I really thought that mosaic floor in the Amphitheater was a rug. It’s so beautiful. It amazes me so much what people could do before we had all of the technology and machines we have now. Their structures have really stood the test of time. It seems like we should follow their examples a little closer.

  4. I love the Roman element that seeps out of so many monuments and sites in Merida. The most eye-catching for me is the coloured mosaic floors in the complex of the Amphitheater House of Mérida. Reminds me of the floors in the Siena Cathedral.

  5. Holly says:

    I have never heard of this part of Spain. I really enjoy Spain so I would love to check this out. It seems like Rome in Spain. Almost like a 2 for 1 deal. You got a little of both worlds.

    • Juergen says:

      This part of Spain and neigbouring Portugal are worth a trip. The landscape is beautiful in spring and most towns are really quiet.

  6. Rosemary says:

    I’ve only heard of Merida, Mexico and I’m quite pleased to learn about this amazing area by the border of Portugal. The Roman ruins are magnificent, especially the floors of the Roman House of Mitreo. The Los Milagros Aqueduct is really impressive. Spain is on our travel itinerary for later this year and we’ll see what we can do to squeeze in a trip to Merida. Loved reading about the Roman ruins :)

    • Juergen says:

      As I wrote (and linked) in post: there’s more to see in the entire region around Merida, which makes it a destination in its right. Caceres, another Game of Thrones filming location, is a nice town too.

  7. Danik says:

    I drove near Merida last year and really wished I stopped off here, there sure is a lot of sights and ancient stuff to see. Not a big fan of museums I have to admit but the first sight I would like to check out is the Aquaduct.

    • Juergen says:

      I had noticed on your blog that you had been in Extramadura. I’m not necessarily one for stuffy museums full of old broken bits and pieces, but I admire the culture of the Romans and their extraordinary handicraft. You simply don’t get to see such detailed Roman mosaics out in the open, yet this museum has many in outstanding condition.

  8. Thanks for introducing us to a new spot in Spain to visit. I am alway fascinated to see how many Roman ruins there are in Spain. Great that the facade of the theatre is still standing. Amazing that the mosaics on the floor are still so vibrantly coloured. What a perfect reflection you got of the roman bridge. I am sure they are still discovering ruins! This is definitely a spot I now have on my travel wish list. Simply stunning.

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