Attractions
Teatro Romano Mérida
Address: Teatro Romano de Mérida, Plaza Margarita Xirgu, Mérida, Spain .The Roman Theatre of Mérida, built around 16 B.C. by order of Agrippa, is one of the most iconic monuments of Augusta Emerita. With a capacity of about 6,000 spectators, it was used for theatrical performances and today hosts cultural festivals.
Museo Nacional de Arte Romano
Address: Museo Nacional de Arte Romano, Calle José Ramón Mélida, Mérida, Spain .The National Museum of Roman Art is located in Mérida, Spain, and is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich archaeological heritage of the ancient Roman city of Augusta Emerita. It was designed by architect Rafael Moneo and inaugurated in 1986. The building, inspired by Roman architecture with large brick arches, houses one of the most important collections of mosaics, sculptures, epigraphy, and everyday objects from Roman life in Hispania. It is a key space for understanding life, art, and culture in the Roman era.
Anfiteatro Romano de Mérida
Address: Anfiteatro Romano de Mérida, Plaza Margarita Xirgu, Mérida, Spain .The Amphitheatre of Mérida, inaugurated in 8 B.C., was the venue for gladiatorial combats, wild beast hunts, and other games that entertained Roman citizens. With a capacity of around 15,000 spectators, its oval shape and seating carved into the rock highlight the social relevance of such events in Augusta Emerita. Though partly in ruins, its main structure remains visible, and today it is part of the World Heritage archaeological ensemble
Alcazaba de Mérida
Address: Alcazaba de Mérida, Paseo Roma, Mérida, Spain .The Alcazaba of Mérida, built in 835 by order of Emir Abd al-Rahman II, is the oldest preserved Arab fortress in the Iberian Peninsula. It served a military and defensive purpose, and is notable for its solid walls and the reused Roman cistern inside.
Templo de Diana
Address: Templo de Diana, Calle Romero Leal, Mérida, Spain .The Temple of Diana is one of Mérida’s most iconic monuments and a remarkable example of Roman religious architecture in Hispania. Built in the 1st century A.D., it was dedicated to the imperial cult rather than the goddess Diana, despite its traditional name. Standing on a high podium, it preserves an impressive portico with granite Corinthian columns that reflect the grandeur of Augusta Emerita. Its excellent state of preservation makes it an archaeological jewel.
Plaza de España, Mérida
Address: Plaza de España, Mérida, Spain .The Plaza de España in Mérida is the heart of the city’s social and cultural life. With medieval origins, it has been remodeled over the centuries into a welcoming open space surrounded by historic buildings and lively terraces. At its center stands a monumental 20th-century fountain, adding elegance to the square. Today, it serves as a popular meeting point for locals and visitors alike, especially during celebrations and public events.
Puente Romano de Mérida
Address: Puente Romano de Mérida, Paseo Roma, Mérida, Spain .El Puente Romano de Mérida, construido en el siglo I a. C. sobre el río Guadiana, es uno de los puentes más largos de la antigüedad, con más de 700 metros de longitud original y más de 60 arcos. Formaba parte de la Vía de la Plata y fue clave para la comunicación y el desarrollo de Augusta Emerita. A lo largo de los siglos ha sufrido restauraciones, pero aún conserva gran parte de su estructura original. Hoy está reservado al uso peatonal y es un símbolo de la ciudad.
The Roman Bridge of Mérida, built in the 1st century B.C. over the Guadiana River, is one of the longest bridges of antiquity, originally measuring over 700 meters with more than 60 arches. It was part of the Silver Route and played a key role in the communication and growth of Augusta Emerita. Although restored several times, much of its original structure remains. Today it is reserved for pedestrian use and stands as one of the city’s most iconic symbols.
Casa del Mitreo
Address: Casa del Mitreo, Mérida, Spain .The House of Mithras is one of the most representative Roman homes of Augusta Emerita, built between the 1st and 2nd centuries A.D. It stands out for its peristyle, decorative mosaics, and remains of wall paintings. Its name comes from elements linked to the Mithraic cult. The house reflects the daily life of the Roman elite, and its excellent preservation allows us to understand domestic architecture, decoration, and the layout of private spaces in Roman times.
La Casa del Mitreo es una de las viviendas romanas más representativas de Augusta Emerita, construida entre los siglos I y II d. C. Destaca por su peristilo, mosaicos decorativos y restos de pinturas murales. Su nombre se debe a la presencia de elementos asociados al culto de Mitra. La casa refleja la vida cotidiana de la élite romana y su excelente conservación permite conocer la arquitectura doméstica, la decoración y la distribución de los espacios privados en la época romana.
Acueducto de los Milagros
Address: Acueducto de los Milagros, Avenida Vía de la Plata, Mérida, Spain .The Acueducto de los Milagros is an impressive Roman engineering work that transported water to Augusta Emerita from nearby springs. Built in the 1st century A.D., it is notable for its tall brick and stone arches, some over 25 meters high. Its name comes from the admiration it inspired in the medieval period. Today it is an iconic monument of Mérida and a testament to the technical skill and grandeur of Roman engineering.
El Acueducto de los Milagros es una impresionante obra de ingeniería romana que transportaba agua a Augusta Emerita desde manantiales cercanos. Construido en el siglo I d. C., destaca por sus altos arcos de ladrillo y piedra, algunos de más de 25 metros de altura. Su nombre proviene de la admiración que causaba en la época medieval. Hoy es un monumento emblemático de Mérida y un testimonio del avance técnico y la monumentalidad de la ingeniería romana.
Basílica de Santa Eulalia
Address: Basílica de Santa Eulalia, Avenida Extremadura, Mérida, Spain .The Basilica of Santa Eulalia, built in the 16th century over the remains of Roman and Visigothic temples, honors the patron saint of Mérida. It stands out for its Renaissance and Baroque style, with a wide central nave, high dome, and detailed sculptures and altarpieces. Its history reflects the city’s continuous religious tradition since antiquity and its importance as a center of worship and pilgrimage in Mérida.
Restaurante Catalina Plaza
Address: Restaurante Catalina Plaza, Calle Romero Leal, Mérida, Spain .El Restaurante Catalina Plaza es un acogedor establecimiento en Mérida, situado en la Calle Romero Leal, 26, justo frente al emblemático Templo de Diana. Ofrece una cocina mediterránea y española con toques creativos, destacando platos como el tartar de salmón, las hamburguesas gourmet y el pulpo asado. Su terraza permite disfrutar de vistas al templo, especialmente impresionantes al anochecer.
Arco de Trajano
Address: Arco de Trajano, Calle Trajano, Mérida, Spain .The Arch of Trajan in Mérida is an impressive Roman monumental gate built in the 1st century A.D., located on the Kardo Maximus, the main street of Augusta Emerita. Although its name suggests a link to Emperor Trajan, its original dedication is unknown. Built in granite with a semicircular arch, it served as the entrance to the Provincial Forum and today stands as a prominent symbol of Mérida’s UNESCO World Heritage archaeological ensemble.
