Discover things to do in Mérida: Roman heritage, rich gastronomy and fascinating legends in one of Spain’s most historic cities.
Things to do in Mérida: A journey through Roman history and heritage
Mérida, the capital of the autonomous region of Extremadura, is a true archaeological and historical treasure that takes visitors back to the time of the Roman Empire. Known in antiquity as Emerita Augusta, this city was founded in 25 BC by Emperor Augustus and became one of the most important cities in Hispania. Today, Mérida is an essential tourist destination for those who wish to explore one of the best-preserved Roman heritages in Spain. In this blog post, we invite you to discover things to do in Mérida, exploring its most iconic monuments, its rich gastronomy and some curiosities that make this city a unique and fascinating place.
1. Roman Theatre of Mérida: The symbol of the city
If you are looking for things to do in Mérida, the Roman Theatre is, without a doubt, one of the first stops you should make. This theatre, built between 16 and 15 BC, is one of the best preserved of the Roman world and is still used today for theatrical performances and cultural events, especially during the famous Mérida International Classical Theatre Festival.
The theatre seats around 6,000 spectators and is designed in such a way that everyone can see and hear perfectly, thanks to its excellent acoustics. The structure of the theatre, with its impressive scenic façade of columns and statues, is an architectural marvel that reflects the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Visiting the Roman Theatre is a must among the things to do in Mérida, as it allows you to imagine what cultural life was like in ancient Emerita Augusta.
2. Roman Amphitheatre: Gladiators and shows
Next to the Roman Theatre is the Roman Amphitheatre, another of the key things to do in Mérida. This amphitheatre, inaugurated in 8 BC, was the site of gladiatorial combats, wild beast fights and other spectacles that attracted thousands of spectators from all over the region.
The amphitheatre had a capacity of 15,000 people and its design is similar to that of the Colosseum in Rome, although on a smaller scale. Parts of the stands, the entrance gates and the central arena, where gladiators fought for their lives, are still preserved. Strolling through the ruins of the Roman Amphitheatre is an experience that transports you back to Roman times and allows you to feel the excitement of the spectacles that were held here. Without a doubt, it is an essential place among the things to do in Mérida for lovers of history and archaeology.
3. Temple of Diana: A vestige of Roman worship
Another of the essential things to do in Mérida is visiting the Temple of Diana, one of the most impressive and best-preserved monuments in the city. This temple, dedicated to the imperial cult and possibly to the goddess Diana, was built in the 1st century BC and its Corinthian columned structure is a magnificent example of Roman architecture.
The temple was used as a Renaissance palace in later centuries, which has contributed to its preservation. Today, it is one of the main symbols of Mérida and can be admired right in the centre of the city. The Temple of Diana is a place that will allow you to connect with the spirituality and religiosity of ancient Rome, making it an obligatory stop on your tour of things to do in Mérida.
4. Roman Circus: Chariot races and massive shows
The Roman Circus of Mérida is one of the largest and most spectacular enclosures of the ancient Roman city, and undoubtedly one of the most fascinating things to do in Mérida. Built in the 1st century AD, the circus was the venue for chariot races, one of the most popular spectacles of Roman times. With a capacity for some 30,000 spectators, this monumental enclosure reflected the importance of these events in the social life of Emerita Augusta.
The circus is over 400 metres long and 100 metres wide, making it an impressive and awe-inspiring space. Today, you can clearly see the stands, the central ring and the remains of the structures that formed part of the enclosure. Strolling through the Roman Circus is a unique experience among the things to do in Mérida, as it allows you to imagine the excitement and noise of the chariot races that were held here almost two thousand years ago. It is a place not to be missed if you are passionate about the history and splendour of Roman civilisation.
5. Roman Bridge: A Legacy of Roman Engineering
The Roman Bridge in Mérida is another of the monuments you cannot miss on your visit to the city. This bridge, which stretches majestically over the Guadiana River, is one of the longest surviving bridges from Roman times and has been in continuous use for more than 2,000 years.
With a length of almost 800 metres, the bridge was key to the development of Mérida, as it connected the city to the Vía de la Plata, an important Roman road that linked the south and north of the Iberian Peninsula. Despite the numerous restorations it has undergone over the centuries, the Roman Bridge retains much of its original structure and is an impressive example of Roman engineering. Walking across this bridge is a must-see experience in out list “Things to do in Mérida“, allowing you to connect with the history and infrastructure of the Roman Empire.
6. Moorish Alcazaba: The Islamic legacy in Mérida
In addition to its impressive Roman heritage, Mérida also boasts important vestiges of its Islamic past, such as the Moorish Alcazaba. This fortress, built in the 9th century by Abd-al-Rahman II, is one of the first citadels to be built on the Iberian Peninsula and was designed to protect the city from attack.
The Alcazaba is located in a strategic position, next to the Roman Bridge and the Guadiana River, which gave it total control over access to the city. Today, you can visit its imposing walls, its defensive towers and an aljibe, an underground cistern that supplied water to the fortress. The Alcazaba is a fascinating place over the things to do in Mérida, allowing you to explore the Islamic influence on the city and discover what life was like in a medieval fortress.
7. Aqueduct of Los Milagros: A marvel of Roman architecture
The Los Milagros Aqueduct is another of the must-see monuments among the things to do in Mérida. This aqueduct, built in the 1st century AD, was used to transport water from the Proserpina reservoir to the city. Almost 10 kilometres long and reaching a height of 25 metres in some sections, the Los Milagros Aqueduct is an impressive example of Roman engineering and a testament to the advanced technical knowledge of the Romans.
Despite the centuries that have passed, much of the aqueduct is still standing, with its arches and pillars dominating the landscape. The aqueduct owes its name to the fact that, according to popular tradition, it was a “miracle” that such an ancient and tall structure could remain standing for so long. Visiting the Aqueduct of Los Milagros is an experience that will allow you to admire one of the greatest achievements of Roman architecture and to better understand the ingenuity of this civilisation. Without a doubt, it is a place you should definitely include on your list of things to do in Mérida.
things to do in mérid: A feast of flavours
Mérida’s gastronomy is one of the city’s great attractions. Here are six typical dishes you must try during your visit to fully enjoy the things to do in Mérida from a culinary perspective.
1. Lamb stew
Lamb stew is one of the most emblematic dishes of Extremaduran cuisine and a must-try when thinking about the things to do in Mérida. This traditional stew is made with lamb meat, peppers, onion, garlic and spices, and is cooked slowly until the meat is tender and tasty. It is a hearty dish full of flavour, ideal for cold days.
2. Migas extremeñas
Migas extremeñas is another typical dish from Mérida and all of Extremadura. They are prepared with crumbled stale bread, garlic, peppers, chorizo and bacon, all fried in olive oil until the migas are golden and crunchy. This dish, once the breakfast of shepherds, is nowadays a delicacy that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Migas Extremaduran are a gastronomic experience among the things to do in Mérida to better understand the culinary tradition of the region.
3. Acorn-fed Iberian ham
Acorn-fed Iberian ham is one of the most prized products of Extremaduran gastronomy, and Mérida is the perfect place to taste it. This ham, made from free-range pigs fed on acorns, is characterised by its intense flavour and smooth, juicy texture. Enjoying a few slices of Iberian ham accompanied by a good wine is an experience not to be missed in Mérida.
4. Torta del Casar
Torta del Casar is a creamy and unctuous cheese made from sheep’s milk in the region of Casar de Cáceres, near Mérida. This cheese is characterised by its intense and slightly bitter taste, and is usually enjoyed spread on bread. Torta del Casar is a delight over the things to do in Mérida from a gastronomic point of view, and is perfect to accompany a good meal or as an aperitif.
5. Patatera
Patatera is a typical sausage from Extremadura, made with pork, paprika and boiled potato. This sausage is characterised by its mild flavour and creamy texture, and can be enjoyed either raw or cooked. Patatera is a unique product among the things to do in Mérida, reflecting the region’s sausage-making tradition.
6. Repápalos
Repápalos are a typical Extremaduran dessert made with breadcrumbs, eggs, milk and sugar, all fried in olive oil and then bathed in a syrup flavoured with cinnamon and lemon. This sweet, which is usually prepared during Easter Week, one of the principal delicious things to do in Mérida in this festivity.
Curiosities and legends of Mérida
Mérida is a city full of stories and legends that enrich its charm. Here are some of the most fascinating curiosities you should know when exploring the things to do in Mérida.
1. The legend of Santa Eulalia of Mérida
One of the most popular legends of Mérida is that of Santa Eulalia, the patron saint of the city. According to tradition, Eulalia was a young Christian girl who lived in Mérida during Roman times and was martyred for her faith in 304 AD. Despite being brutally tortured, Eulalia never renounced her faith, and after her death, her body was buried in what is now the Basilica of Santa Eulalia. Visiting this church, located on the site where she is believed to have been martyred, is a place of pilgrimage and devotion, and is one of the most important things to do in Mérida.
2. The Myth of the Founding of Mérida
Another interesting curiosity among the things to do in Mérida is the myth of its foundation. It is said that Mérida was founded by order of Emperor Augustus as a reward for the veteran soldiers of the Roman legions V Alaudae and X Gemina, who had fought in the Cantabrian wars. These soldiers were given land and settled in the new colony of Emerita Augusta, which would eventually become modern-day Mérida. This myth reflects the military and strategic importance of Mérida in Roman times and is a fundamental part of its history.
3. The House of the Mithraeum and the mysteries of Mithras
The Casa del Mitreo is one of the most enigmatic archaeological sites in our list “Things to do in Mérida“. This Roman house, discovered in the 20th century, houses an impressive mosaic depicting the mysteries of Mithras, one of the most popular religions in the Roman Empire. The cult of Mithras, a deity associated with light and rebirth, was secret and reserved only for initiates, which has given rise to much speculation about the rites and beliefs of his followers. Exploring the House of Mithraeum is an experience that will allow you to delve into the mysteries of an almost forgotten religion and discover a lesser-known aspect of Roman Merida.
4. The Roman Forum: The Heart of the Ancient City
The Roman Forum of Mérida was the nerve centre of public life in Emerita Augusta. The main administrative, religious and commercial buildings of the city were concentrated here. Although much of the forum has disappeared over time, important archaeological remains can still be seen, such as the Temple of Mars and the Curia, where the city’s magistrates met.
The forum was the place where citizens met to discuss politics, religion and trade, and it was also the scene of important ceremonies and festivals. Visiting the Roman Forum is a fascinating experience among the things to do Mérida, as it allows you to imagine what life was like in the ancient Roman city and to understand the importance of this space in the society of the time.
The transformation of Mérida.
Mérida has undergone a remarkable evolution over the centuries, going from being one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire in Hispania to a modern and vibrant capital of Extremadura. During the Middle Ages, Mérida became an important religious and military centre, and its Roman heritage was gradually integrated into the urban fabric of the city. Today, Mérida is a city that combines its rich historical past with a first-class cultural and tourist offer, making it a must-see destination for history and archaeology lovers.
Exploring all these facets of Mérida, from its Roman monuments to its rich gastronomy and legends, will allow you to enjoy a complete and enriching experience in one of Spain’s most fascinating cities. Every corner of Mérida tells a story, and every street offers something special in the things to do in Mérida, making this city a unique and charming tourist destination.
For more information you can also consult the tourism website of Mérida: https://turismomerida.org
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