Mérida, Roman archaeological site in Extremadura, Spain
Mérida is a municipality in Badajoz province, Extremadura, spread along the Guadiana River with Roman temples, a theater, an aqueduct and several residential districts. The archaeological remains lie both in the town center and in the surrounding fields, where foundations and columns appear among modern buildings.
Emperor Augustus founded the settlement in 25 BCE for retired legionaries who received land after decades of military campaigns. It became the capital of Lusitania province and held that role for over three centuries, until the Visigothic conquest in the fifth century changed its importance.
The name comes from Augusta Emerita, referring to the Roman veterans who settled here after military service. Today visitors see Latin inscriptions on many buildings and experience a summer festival where actors in period costumes walk through the streets performing classical plays in the ancient theater.
Most Roman sites lie close together and can be explored on foot within a few hours, though shade is limited during summer months. Visitors planning to see all monuments should allow a full day and wear comfortable shoes, as many paths are uneven and stairs lead to viewing platforms.
The theater was built so morning sunlight illuminates the stage from behind and casts shadows over the audience seating. Archaeologists discovered channels beneath the seats that likely carried water for staged sea battle performances in the arena.
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Roman Theatre of Emerita Augusta
963 m
Emerita Augusta
963 m
Roman amphitheatre of Mérida
595 m
Temple of Diana
122 m
Acueducto de los Milagros
839 m
Assembly of Extremadura
287 m
National Museum of Roman Art
397 m
Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida
593 m
Proserpina Dam
6.1 km
Roman Circus Maximus of Mérida
1.1 km
Arch of Trajan
177 m
Alcazaba of Mérida
390 m
Basilica of Saint Eulalia of Mérida
404 m
Estadio Romano
796 m
Santa Lucía de El Trampal
28.2 km
Roman thermae in Alange
17.2 km
Puente Romano
742 m
Cornalvo Dam
15.5 km
Lusitania Bridge
818 m
Dolmen del prado de Lácara
16.1 km
Acueducto de San Lázaro
865 m
Co-cathedral of Saint Mary Major of Mérida
269 m
Alange Reservoir
16.1 km
House of the Mitreo
755 m
Roman Forum
111 m
Castle of Alange
16.4 km
Cornalvo Natural Park
16.2 km
Mérida Bullring
659 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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