Merida

Mérida is the capital of Extremadura and a city of immense Roman heritage, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 25 BC as Emerita Augusta by Emperor Augustus, it became the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania and one of the most important cities in the Iberian Peninsula. Today it preserves more Roman monuments than any other Spanish city, including a spectacular theatre, amphitheatre, and the longest surviving Roman bridge.

By Plane

The nearest airports are Badajoz (BJZ, 50 km west), Madrid-Barajas (340 km east), Seville (200 km south), and Lisbon (275 km west).

By Train

Renfe Media Distancia trains connect Mérida with Madrid (5 hours), Badajoz, Cáceres, and Seville. AVE high-speed trains serve Badajoz (40 minutes by bus from Mérida).

By Car / Road

Mérida is on the A-5 motorway between Madrid and Badajoz. The A-66 connects north to Cáceres and Gijón, south to Seville. Parking is available outside the monumental zone.

Historic centres are best explored on foot. For inter-town travel, a car or bus is recommended.

• Roman Theatre (Teatro Romano) — one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, seating 6,000 and still used for performances. €12 (combined ticket with all Roman sites).

• Roman Amphitheatre (Anfiteatro Romano) — the adjacent arena where gladiator and animal fights took place, seating 15,000.

• Roman Temple of Diana — beautifully preserved Corinthian temple from the 1st century AD, incorporated into a medieval palace.

• Puente Romano (Roman Bridge) — the longest surviving Roman bridge at 792 metres, spanning the Guadiana River with 60 arches.

• Alcazaba — a Moorish fortress built on a Roman site, with a remarkable underground cistern (aljibe). €6.

• National Museum of Roman Art — a stunning modern museum designed by Rafael Moneo, housing the most important collection of Roman artefacts in Spain. €6.

• Attend the Festival de Teatro Clásico de Mérida (June–August), where classical drama is performed in the Roman Theatre.

• Walk the Roman bridge at sunset for spectacular views of the Guadiana River.

• Visit the archaeological crypt of the Basilica of Santa Eulalia, a Christian martyr site.

• Restaurante El Albero (Av. Extremadura, 2) — traditional Extremaduran cuisine, specialising in Iberian pork and game. Mid-range.
• Casa Hipólito (C. Puerta de la Villa, 3) — a local institution serving Mérida's best roast lamb. Mid-range.
• La Catedral (C. Romero Leal, 1) — modern Extremaduran tapas in a lively setting. Budget-Mid.

Try the local Ribera del Guadiana wines, especially the red Tempranillo. Torta del Casar cheese is a must-try.

Budget

Budget: Hostal Emerita Augusta — a friendly budget hostal in the old town, doubles from €35/ night.

Mid-range

Mid-range: Hotel Nova Roma — a modern 4-star hotel with pool, doubles from €50–90. Parador de Mérida — a converted 18th-century convent opposite the Roman Theatre, doubles from €60–120.

Upscale

Upscale: Parador de Mérida (see above) — the most atmospheric option in the city.

• Local craft products and artisanal foods
• Iberian ham and other cured meats
• Local wine and olive oil

• Mérida — spectacular Roman ruins and the National Museum of Roman Art
• Monfragüe National Park — one of Europe's best birdwatching destinations
• Salamanca — a beautiful university city, 2 hours north via the A-66