Acueducto de los Milagros, Roman aqueduct in Mérida, Spain
The Acueducto de los Milagros stretches for 827 meters with its stone and brick construction featuring triple-tiered arches reaching 70 meters high.
Built during the first century BCE by wealthy families, this Roman aqueduct supplied water to the colony of Emerita Augusta for more than three centuries.
The structure received cultural heritage status in 1912 and became part of the Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
Visitors can observe the engineering techniques of Roman builders through the distinct construction methods used in different sections of the aqueduct.
Storks establish nests atop the arches of this ancient structure, which maintains numerous original architectural elements despite its age.
Location: Mérida
Length: 827 m
Part of: Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida
Address: Av. Vía de la Plata, S/N, 06800 Mérida, Badajoz, Spain 06800 Mérida
Phone: +34924330722
Website: http://turismomerida.org/que-ver/acueducto-de-los-milagros
GPS coordinates: 38.92444,-6.34806
Latest update: May 27, 2025 11:38
Stone arch bridges rank among the most durable structures in history. From Roman aqueducts in Spain to medieval river crossings in Central Europe, these constructions demonstrate the evolution of engineering over two millennia. The Pont du Gard in France once transported 20,000 cubic meters of water daily over 50 kilometers, while the Segovia Aqueduct in Spain was built without mortar. In Asia, stone bridges like the Marco Polo Bridge in China have connected trade routes for centuries. The Khaju Bridge in Isfahan functions simultaneously as a dam and public gathering space. These structures served multiple purposes: transport, water supply, and social meeting points. Many of these bridges and aqueducts remain in use today. They document various construction techniques, from Roman concrete vaults to Persian brick arch structures. The constructions have survived wars, earthquakes, and floods, remaining functional elements of modern infrastructure.
The ancient structures transported water across valleys and plains using gravity. Built by Roman and Ottoman engineers, these aqueducts stand up to 50 meters tall, crossing valleys on multiple levels of stone arches. The structures supplied cities with fresh water from distant springs and rivers.
Roman amphitheatre of Mérida
1.3 km
Temple of Diana
958 m
Assembly of Extremadura
778 m
National Museum of Roman Art
1.1 km
Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida
1.3 km
Arch of Trajan
774 m
Alcazaba of Mérida
1.1 km
Basilica of Saint Eulalia of Mérida
710 m
Puente Romano
1.3 km
Lusitania Bridge
1.3 km
Acueducto de San Lázaro
1.2 km
Co-cathedral of Saint Mary Major of Mérida
906 m
Roman Forum
939 m
Albarregas Roman bridge
146 m
Roman Provincial Forum
932 m
Iglesia del Carmen (Mérida)
605 m
Hospital of St. John of God
776 m
Church of Santa Clara, Mérida
713 m
Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones de Mérida
1.2 km
Convent of Jesús Nazareno, Mérida
678 m
San Lázaro Roman aqueduct
1.1 km
Biblioteca Pública del Estado en Mérida - Jesús Delgado Valhondo
1.4 km
Building of Museo Nacional de Arte Romano
1.1 km
Consorcio de la Ciudad Monumental de Mérida
1 km
Amphitheatre House, Mérida
1.2 km
Biblioteca de la Asamblea de Extremadura
796 m
Biblioteca Pública Municipal de Mérida - Juan Pablo Forner
1 km
Roman Basilica of Santa Eulalia, Mérida
710 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes