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Mérida
Capital of Roman Lusitania, for its archaeological wealth, Merida was recognised as a World-Heritage site in 1993. The great amount of sculptural pieces, as well as the grandeur and importance of its monuments, make it the most important archaeological site from roman times of the peninsular. Deserving special mention is the roman bridge which crosses the Guadiana River with 792 metres in length and 60 arches, undoubtedly making it one of the largest of Roman style.
On the outskirts of the city other roman remains may be found, such as a circus, an amphitheatre and a theatre, which is the most sumptuous of the eighteen roman theatres that have been preserved in Spain, and offers no provincial trace in its features: it conforms to a set of rules put in place by Vitruvius for this kind of building. It was built by the consul Marco Agripa, and later embellished by Trajan and Hadrian.
In the city, remains of temples and Trajano’s famous Arc have been found. Over recent decades, the city has become an industrial and service nucleus, with the interest of archaeologists and institutions to bring to light the immense archaeological wealth that, fortunately, is recovered each year. Since February 1983 Merida has been the Capital of the Autonomous Community of Extremadura.
More information: Mérida Town Hall
Further information: City Council of Mérida
