Roman Ruins of Mérida
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Mérida, Teatro Romano - by Miguel Bañuls Benavent from Pixabay
Description
Mérida was founded as the Roman colony "Emerita Augusta" in 25 BC (a name that refers to its role as a retreat for veteran soldiers), the capital of the province of Lusitania. From that period have remained several visit-worthy ruins that include, inter alia: a) The Roman Theatre and the Amphitheatre situated next to each other. The former has an 86m diameter and could seat 6,000 spectators whilst the latter measures 64m by 44m with a capacity of 15,000. b) The Puento Romano over the Guadiana River with a length of 721m today and 60 spans, making it the longest surviving bridge from that period. Next to it is the Alcazaba fortification c) remains of the Forum, including the Temple of Diana. d) the Acueducto de los Milagros that was brining water to the town. 38 arches standing 25m high remain today.
Access & Transport
The ruins are scattered over town but are all within walking distance from each other; the Aqueduct, Roman Theatre and the Roman bridge roughly form an equilateral triangle with sides of 1.5km - with the train station contained within. The town is in the centre of Extremadura, 60km east of Badajoz (45mins by train), 75km south of Cáceres (40m by train), and 190km north of Sevilla.
Instructions & Recommendations
Opening hours for the Temple of Diana and Morería are shorter. The included monuments are: Teatro y Anfiteatro romanos, Alcazaba, Casa del Mitreo y Área Funeraria de los Columbarios, Cripta Arqueológica de Santa Eulalia, Área Arqueológica de Morería, Casa del Anfiteatro, Templo de Diana y Circo romano. We suggest combing a visit of the ruins with the National Museum of Roman Art that is located next to the Roman Amphitheatre.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally neutral. Part of the architectural and historical heritages of the region
Conclusion
Arguably the most impressive set of Roman ruins on the Iberian Peninsula, we would highly recommend a visit there for anybody exploring not just Extremadura but also the south of Castilla y Leon or Northwest Andalucia (including from Sevilla for history buffs). Just try to avoid the summer if possible (busy, hot, and commercial events)
Key positive
Some very impressive structures
Plenty to see within a walkable area
Key negative
Time consuming to get to
Suitability
Visitors with reduced mobility can enjoy most sites
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:3h 30m
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
MONDAY09:00 - 21:00
TUESDAY09:00 - 21:00
WEDNESDAY09:00 - 21:00
THURSDAY09:00 - 21:00
FRIDAY09:00 - 21:00
SATURDAY09:00 - 21:00
SUNDAY09:00 - 21:00
Start of Season 2:Oct, 01
MONDAY09:00 - 18:30
TUESDAY09:00 - 18:30
WEDNESDAY09:00 - 18:30
THURSDAY09:00 - 18:30
FRIDAY09:00 - 18:30
SATURDAY09:00 - 18:30
SUNDAY09:00 - 18:30