Merida, Spain
- Nimrod
- Jul 13
- 8 min read
March 2025 [All the posts about Spain]
Content
Merida, Spain Introduction
When I first saw photos of the aqueduct while planning the trip, I knew—this was a place I had to see.
Often, when people talk about ruins and archaeological sites, the remains can be… well, a bit underwhelming. But in Merida, it’s a completely different story.
After a week in Seville, we picked up our rental car at the airport and hit the road toward Merida, located about 200 kilometers north of Seville along the historic Via de la Plata (Silver Route).
The drive takes around two and a half hours. If you're coming from Madrid, expect about three and a half hours on the road.
On the way, we stopped for coffee and toast and ended up helping a traveler from Sweden who was walking the Camino de Santiago along the Via de la Plata. Her shoes had gotten soaked, so we gave her a ride to the village she was aiming for.
At first glance, Merida looked like just another ordinary town—but as soon as we reached the area near the museum, we realized there was something truly special here.
You can truly feel life as it was during the Roman era through the remarkably well-preserved buildings, temples, mosaics, and statues found here.
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The city was founded in 25 BCE by the Roman emperor Augustus under the name Emerita Augusta, as a colony for retired soldiers of the Roman legions. It quickly became the capital of the province of Lusitania—one of the three main provinces of the Iberian Peninsula—and one of the most important Roman cities in Spain.
Today, Merida serves as the capital of the Extremadura region, even though it's smaller than cities like Badajoz or Caceres.
Spanning the Guadiana River, you’ll see the modern Lusitania Bridge, built in 1991 and designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava—yes, the same one behind the cable-stayed bridges in Seville and Jerusalem.
The goal of the new bridge was to redirect vehicle traffic away from the ancient Roman bridge in order to preserve it.
In Merida, the Romans built an impressive theater, amphitheater, temples, bridges, and aqueducts—and as I mentioned, many of them are remarkably well preserved.
Merida’s rich Roman heritage has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status, and it’s often referred to as the "jewel of ancient Rome in Spain."
If you're traveling along the Via de la Plata—whether on foot as part of the Camino de Santiago, or by car—and you appreciate a bit of history and beautifully preserved ancient architecture, you’ll truly enjoy this stop.
In addition, the riverside park on both sides of the Guadiana is absolutely charming, and walking along it—and across the ancient Roman bridge—is a unique experience.
Merida also offers an impressive birdwatching scene, and for bird enthusiasts, the city truly delivers—with flocks of birds nesting and migrating through the area. (I imagine the species you’ll spot depend on the season.)
As you walk along the riverbank, you’ll notice birds in the air and on the small islands scattered throughout the river.
We arrived during stork nesting season, and it was such a beautiful sight to watch them flying back and forth, carrying twigs to build their nests.
Mérida is absolutely worth a day trip, or at the very least a few hours to soak in the rich Roman history still visible all around. If you want to dive deeper into the city’s charm, consider spending a night here.
There are several highly rated hotels at very reasonable prices. For example, the Hotel Ilunion Mérida Palace, a five-star hotel located on Plaza de España, is a great option—just search for it on your favorite booking platform.
When you arrive, be sure to stop by the tourist information office, located right next to the entrance of the museum. It’s open daily from 9:00 to 18:00.
Here, you can purchase a combined ticket that grants access to eight historical sites across the city. Pick up a map and a brief overview, and you’re ready to go!
The eight paid sites are marked in red on the map you’ll receive—make sure to keep your receipts.
There are also plenty of other interesting sites in the city that don’t require an entrance fee.
If you only have a few hours, focus on what interests you most. In my opinion, the must-see sites are: the roman art museum, the theater and amphitheater complex, Temple of Diana, the aqueduct, and the Roman bridge.
The National Museum of Roman Art
We found parking just a five-minute walk from the theater complex and the National Museum of Roman Art. The museum is open daily except Mondays and certain public holidays, and admission is free.
The museum building, designed by architect Rafael Moneo, is truly impressive—it beautifully complements the artifacts inside, from statues to mosaics, all showcasing the wealth and grandeur of the city during its Roman days.
After visiting the museum, it’s just a two-minute walk to a covered residential area featuring an impressive collection of buildings and mosaics — the Casa Romana del Anfiteatro.
The Roman Theater
We continued on to the Roman theater, which is incredibly well preserved.
Built around 15 BCE on the initiative of the consul Agrippa, it’s one of the most impressive archaeological sites on the Iberian Peninsula.
The structure features a wide stage, a grand multi-columned backdrop, and stone seating that could accommodate around 6,000 spectators.
This isn’t just a photo-op—it’s a working theater, alive with art, music, and drama every summer. If you're in Merida during festival season, seeing a performance here is a must-do cultural experience. here is the festival website.
The Roman Amphteater
The amphitheater of Merida was built in 8 BCE and was designed to host gladiator battles and wild animal contests—just as in other major Roman cities.
Located right next to the Roman theater, the two form an impressive complex of ancient Roman entertainment. The amphitheater could hold around 15,000 spectators, and you can still clearly see the remains of its seating tiers, entrances, and central arena.
Temple of Diana
After exploring the theater complex—home to additional beautiful structures, statues, and a lovely garden—we continued on to the Temple of Diana, located about 500 meters away (a 6-minute walk).
The temple is one of the most striking Roman buildings to survive in the city and is considered a quintessential example of Roman architecture on the Iberian Peninsula.
The temple was built in the 1st century CE and was most likely dedicated to the Roman emperor—despite its name, which suggests a connection to the goddess Diana.
It stands in the heart of the city, surrounded by an impressive row of Corinthian columns.
During the Middle Ages, a residential palace was built into the structure, which ironically helped preserve it through the centuries.
In general, many of the Roman buildings and ruins scattered throughout the city blend seamlessly with the modern architecture, creating a unique landscape that adds both beauty and depth to Merida.
Also located on Sagasta Street is the impressive Pórtico del Foro Municipal de Augusta Emérita—a classical granite structure with Corinthian marble capitals. This portico was part of the city’s main square during Roman times, where political, religious, and commercial activities took place.
The Merida Aqueduct
The Merida Aqueduct, known as the Acueducto de los Milagros, is one of the most impressive remnants of the city’s Roman water system. Built in the 1st century CE, it was designed to bring water from springs located about 5 kilometers north of the city.
Originally, the aqueduct stretched roughly 800 meters, and about 300 meters of it still stand today.
The aqueduct is located about 1.5 kilometers from the Temple of Diana. (We drove there and parked nearby).
The most striking section of the aqueduct features tall arches built from a combination of natural stone and well-preserved Roman bricks that have impressively withstood the test of time. The name “Milagros”—meaning “miracles”—was given during the Middle Ages in honor of its remarkable endurance over the centuries.
The aqueduct stands within the scenic Río Albarregas Park, a green, peaceful area through which the Arroyo del Albarregas stream flows—making it a lovely spot to walk, relax, and admire ancient engineering at its best.
The Roman Bridge
The Roman Bridge—which closely resembles the one in Cordoba, another city rich in Roman heritage—was built by the Romans around the 1st century BCE, likely shortly after the founding of the city itself.
The bridge was constructed over the Guadiana River (Río Guadiana) and served as a key crossing point along the important Roman route Vía de la Plata.
It’s considered one of the longest surviving Roman bridges, originally stretching about 755 meters and supported by over 60 arches—around 60 of which still remain today, a testament to its impressive durability and design.
The bridge has undergone several restorations over the centuries, yet many parts—including its foundations and supporting pillars—remain original from Roman times.
Today, it’s open exclusively to pedestrians and stands as one of Merida’s most impressive historical landmarks, offering a tangible link to the city’s ancient past.
Alcazaba of Merida
And of course, no exploration of the Iberian Peninsula is complete without a glimpse into its Islamic heritage…
The Alcazaba of Merida is a Muslim fortress built in 835 CE by Emir Abd ar-Rahman II, during the Moorish rule in Spain. It sits right next to the ancient Roman bridge over the Guadiana River and was strategically constructed to protect access to the bridge and control the city.
The fortress features thick stone walls, watchtowers, and an internal water cistern built over an ancient Roman well—an excellent example of how Roman structures were repurposed by later civilizations.
The Alcazaba is one of the earliest examples of Muslim fortresses on the Iberian Peninsula, and it beautifully reflects the blend of Roman and Islamic heritage that characterizes the city of Merida.
More to See in and Around Merida
Seven Chairs Park (Parque de las Siete Sillas) – Located on the far side of the Guadiana River, just across the Roman bridge. A pleasant green space with ancient ruins and scenic views.
Additional Museums – Merida also hosts several other museums, including the Museum of Visigothic Art and an open-air museum featuring historical and artistic exhibits.
Merida Classical Theatre Festival – Held each summer in the stunning Roman Theater, this festival brings ancient drama to life with live performances in a one-of-a-kind setting.
Embalse de Proserpina – A man-made lake just outside the city, perfect for swimming and water activities during the warmer months.
From Merida, we continued our journey to Caceres, where we stayed for two nights and explored another gem of Extremadura.