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Home » Blog » Travel to Europe » Travel to Spain » What to see in Mérida: 25 must-see places in the city
Mérida , the capital of Extremadura, is an authentic historical jewel that stands out for preserving the greatest Roman heritage in Spain. The imposing Roman Theater of Mérida stands as a living testament to the greatness of the Roman Empire and is, without a doubt, one of the most impressive monuments in our country.
But this famous theater is not the only monument that will leave you speechless. Exploring Mérida is like taking a trip back in time to the time of the Roman emperors, where around every corner you find vestiges of an era of splendor and greatness. From the majestic columns of the Temple of Diana to the intricate mosaics of Roman houses and imposing aqueducts, there are not many places outside Rome where such a rich Roman heritage can be seen.
However, Mérida goes beyond simply being a city anchored in the imperial past. The Visigoths, Arabs and Christians also left their mark on the city, enriching its cultural legacy with their own architectural and artistic contributions.
In this complete guide, we will take you by the hand through 25 magical corners to see in Mérida . From the most emblematic places to the hidden treasures, we invite you to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the city and discover everything it has to offer.
Admiring the Roman Theater, Mérida, Badajoz, Extremadura | What to see in Merida
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How to visit Mérida
Before telling you about each of the essential things to visit in Mérida, we will tell you some necessary information . To visit the main monuments of the city it is highly Armenia Phone Number List recommended to buy the combined ticket that includes the following monuments of the city: the Theater, the Amphitheater, the Temple of Diana, the House of the Amphitheater, the Alcazaba, the Archaeological Area of Morería , the Roman Circus and the Crypt of the Basilica of Santa Eulalia.
Although you can visit these monuments on your own, we advise you to take some of the guided tours to better understand what you are going to see. This complete tour of Mérida that includes tickets to the main monuments is the best way to learn about the history and architecture of the city, while if you want to know everything about the main monumental complex of the city, this guided tour of the city will be great for you. Roman amphitheater and theater .
What to see in Mérida in 1 day – The essentials
In this first part of the post we have included the most essential places that you should visit in Mérida, if you only have one day.
- Roman Theater
We have seen few other monuments more impressive than the Mérida Theater . It has also been because we have been alone in this magical place for a long time, but we still remember our visit fondly. The Theater of Mérida was built in the year 15 BC and represents one of the best preserved theaters from the time of Antiquity . Unlike most other Roman theater ruins, this one preserves its stage well with two levels of Corinthian columns, ancient sculptures (some of the original sculptures are in the National Museum of Roman Art) and spectacular friezes.
Roman Theater, Mérida, Badajoz, Extremadura | What to see in Mérida in 1 day
In its heyday, more than 6,000 spectators could enjoy all types of plays from its stands . Although the old theater was abandoned in the 4th century, after its reconstruction in the 1960s, today the tradition is revived every year, when the Mérida International Classical Theater Festival is held . Concerts are also often organized in this place.
Stage, Roman Theater, Mérida, Badajoz, Extremadura | What to visit in Mérida in 1 day - Roman Amphitheater
Fights between gladiators or with animals, reenactments of battles and many other bloody spectacles could be seen by the more than 15,000 spectators who could fit in the Mérida Amphitheater . This large arena, which was the main place of entertainment for the inhabitants of Augusta Emerita, is located very close to the Theater, within the same archaeological complex. In addition to preserving a good part of the stands – you can identify where the people of authority sat – you will also be able to see several entrances and rooms where the gladiators waited their turn.