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This archaeological site has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. One of its main sites is the Roman Theatre which each year becomes the city’s stage for the International Classical Theatre Festival.
Mérida was one of the main cities in of the Roman Empire, and this is why it has a significant heritage of monuments dating to the period. The Theatre is an extraordinary work of architecture that is notable for its excellent state of conservation. It is impossible not to feel drawn by the beautiful stage and marble Corinthian columns. Close by are the Amphitheatre and Circus. In the surrounding area we can see the remains of the old walls and the Columbarios necropolis. A visit to Casa del Mitreo house and the Casa del Amphitheatre house also reveals what Roman homes were like, with their wall paintings and mosaics.
The only Roman religious building that has been preserved is the Temple of Diana, in the former Municipal Forum. In the old Provincial Forum we can see the remains of the Concordia Temple. The Chapel of Santa Eulalia, installed outside the Basilica of the same name, was built using the remains of the Temple to Mars. Roman pieces were also used for the Santa Eulalia Obelisk.
There are other interesting places such as the National Museum of Roman Art, Trajan's Arch, the Moorish Alcazaba citadel, the thermal baths, the xenodochium and the collection of Visigothic art in the Church of Santa Clara. Outside Mérida we can also find the Alange Thermal Baths and the Herrera Basilica-House. You should not miss the important civil engineering constructions such as the bridges over the Guadiana and the Albarregas Rivers, Los Milagros and San Lázaro Aqueducts, and the Proserpina and Cornalvo Reservoirs.
Practical information
Timetables
Consultar visitas vía telefónica.
Horarios especiales: 24 y 31 de diciembre.
