Mérida is a city located near the Portuguese border. It is one of the oldest settlements in Spain, founded by the Romans as early as 25 BC. In ancient times, this city was called Emerita Augusta and was the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania.

Mérida Attractions
Mérida’s main attractions are the ruins of buildings from the Roman Empire. All of them are located in the historic center of the city and can be visited in a single day.

The Roman Theater, built in the 16th century BC, is considered a special symbol of the city. This elliptical theater was decorated with sculptures. At one time, it was surrounded by a beautiful garden and could accommodate up to 6,000 spectators. Performances were held on this stage for almost 400 years before it was abandoned in the 4th century BC and buried underground. Only the seven upper stands, discovered during excavations in the 20th century, remain visible. In 1964, the theater was completely restored and today hosts concerts and wedding photo shoots.

Next to the theater is the Museum of Roman Art, which displays a collection of Roman antiquities. Here you can see ceramics, tableware, wall paintings, and other artifacts discovered in Mérida during archaeological excavations, which continue in the museum’s basement. Also nearby is an amphitheater with a capacity of 15,000 spectators, where gladiatorial fights were held in ancient times, as well as the ruins of a Roman villa with perfectly preserved frescoes, mosaics, and the remains of thermal baths.

To the northwest of the amphitheater is the ancient Roman hippodrome, where chariot races were popular at the time. Today, the arena and spectator stands can be seen here. The hippodrome in Mérida is considered one of the best-preserved in all of Europe. Mérida boasts another significant historical landmark: the Roman Bridge over the Guadiana River. This pedestrian bridge is 755 meters long and consists of 60 arches, making it one of the largest in Spain. The bridge leads to the Alcazaba fortress.

The Moorish Alcazaba fortress, built in 855, is a majestic fortification that remains remarkably well-preserved to this day.