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Spain |
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Merida is the capital
city of the Autonomous region Extremadura,
and is set in the Province
of Badajoz. One of the most important
Roman capital cities at the height of Roman
occupation of Spain, the city today has
one of the best preserved collection of
Roman monuments in Europe. |
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To get the most out of a visit to Merida,
wear a pair of comfortable walking shoes,
light clothing, a hat (it gets very
very hot in the Summer) and a bottle
of water, go to the Tourist Information
Office in the city center ((Av. José
Alvarez Saez de Buruaga), and buy a
plan of all the monuments and museums
and set off on foot. The plan serves
as an entrance ticket to all the main
attractions.
See below a list of Merida's most important
sights, monuments and remains.
| Aqueduct
de los Milagros: An engineering
work of art which enabled Romans to
transport water from the Proserpina
reservoir. Construction was carried
out in two stages, the first in 1
AD and the second in 3 AD. It is 830
metres long and 25 metres high. |
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| Aqueduct
de San Lazaro: Aqueduct just next
to the Roman Circus in Merida. 1,600
meters long and 16 meters high. |
| Alcazaba
and Conventual: One of the charms
of Merida is how Arab and Roman remains
blend together in a unique testimony
to the city's history. This Arab fortress
was built in 835 on the remains of
a Roman dock. |
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| Amphitheatre
and Roman Theatre: Outstanding.
The amphitheatre was built in 8 BC
and had capacity for 14,000 people.
The theatre, donated to Merida by
the Roman Emperor Agripa in 16 BC,
had a capacity for 6,000 spectators.
Each Summer a season of classical
theatre is organised, although it
is quite difficult to get tickets
because of high demand. |
| Arco
de Trajano: 15m high arch in the
entrance to the main forum |
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| Basilica
Santa Eulalia: Declared national
monument, this church supposedly contains
the remains of the patron saint of
Merida, St. Eulalia. Fascinating museum
in the basement under the foundations
of the church. |
| Roman
house Mithraeo: Remains of a Roman
villa, visitors can walk around the
excavations, admire the mosaics and
appreciate the extent and beauty of
Roman villas. |
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| Roman
Circus: About a 20-minute walk
from the Amphitheatre and Roman Theatre,
the Roman circus is the only one of
its kind in the whole of Spain. Probably
built in 1 AD, with capacity for 30,000
spectators, it is one of the biggest
built throughout the Roman Empire.
Informative museuem just next to it. |
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Museo Nacional de Arte Romano:
Excellent museum in a very modern
interesting building in which the
Roman remains under the foundations
are included in the exhibits. Contains
many of the objects found in excavations
all over the city.
Roman bridges: The remains
of two Roman bridges still stand
today. The longest one crosses the
River Guadiana, is 792m long and
has 69 arches.
Templo de Diana: A Roman
temple
Santa Maria Cathedral: In
the Plaza Mayor. Built in the 13th
Century.
See: Guide
to Badajoz for more travel
information about the Province and
places to visit near Merida.
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