La Mérida city is located in the province of Badajoz. This city of Extremadura has great importance because it was founded as a Roman colony in 25 BC. of C., becoming one of the most important Roman cities, something that today we can witness thanks to the archaeological remains of great value that have been found. We currently have an archaeological site that has been declared a World Heritage Site.
Let's see everything that can be seen in Mérida. It is a small city, but it houses important Roman archaeological remains, so it is definitely worth seeing at least once. Discover what the one known to the Romans as Emerita Augusta can offer you.
Teatro novel
This theater is undoubtedly the most significant part of the archaeological site, built by the patronage of Agrippa. The theaters at that time had a purpose of political propaganda rather than entertainment, as we understand them today, since at that time the entertainment was in the circus. It was built in 15 BC. C. This theater underwent remodeling in later centuries but fell into oblivion with Christianity, so it was covered with earth, leaving only the last bleachers in sight. Hence it has such a good state of preservation. Currently some
Roman Amphitheatre
The Roman amphitheater was the place where the most popular entertainments such as gladiator fighting. Built in the 8th century BC. de C. It is located near the Theater, joined by a road that surrounds them both. In the area of the arena we can see a moat that was where the pillars were to support the entire base on which the shows were held.
Aqueduct of Miracles
In a Roman city, engineering works such as the well-known aqueducts could not be absent. Although Segovia is more famous in our country, this city also has them. The Aqueduct of the Miracles was the one that brought water from the Proserpina reservoir. Some XNUMX meters are still preserved and its name of the Miracles is due to the fact that the locals thought it a miracle the good state of conservation of this aqueduct despite the fact that it was built so many centuries ago. This aqueduct is outside the archaeological site so your visit is completely free.
National Museum of Roman Art
Taking into account all the archaeological remains found in Mérida, a museum like this could not be missing. In it we will find Roman sculptures and also the beautiful mosaics, with one of the most important collections in the Peninsula. We will be able to know in detail how they lived in Emerita Augusta centuries ago and see the crypt where there are remains of old houses. In the city there are other museums such as El Costurero, which houses the collections of the sculptor Juan de Ávalos and the painter Ramón Carreto.
Temple of Diana
This temple of imperial worship is another of the important remains. It is a temple that stands on a granite podium and is estimated to have been erected under the power of Augustus. It must be said that this building served as a framework for the palace of the Count of Los Corbos for centuries, of which some parts are still preserved.
The Arab fortress
This great citadel was built in the Muslim era, in the year 835 under the mandate of Abderramán II. The entire complex was surrounded by a moat, except in the area that overlooks the river and served as protection for the Muslim people during the riots. Inside the fortress you can still see some vestiges of Roman times such as one of the roads and a section of the Roman wall.
Roman circus
We are before one of the best-preserved circuses in the entire Empire. It offers an easily recognizable rectangle plan and was built outside the city walls. In addition, late reforms could be seen, so its use was very long.
House of the Mitreo
This house built outside the walls It is of great importance due to its state of conservation and because apparently it could be the home of someone important due to its size. You can see three patios that made up the complex and apparently it could have had more floors as evidenced by the remains of some stairs.
Roman bridge
Although it is true that at this point there was a bridge that was founded with the Colony, the one we see has been the result of various remodeling due to wars and currents. However, we are still facing an old work of great strategic and commercial importance. It is located on the Guadiana, which they called Anas, to which was added the Arabic prefix Guad, which means river.