Things to do in Merida

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Top places to visit

1. Roman Theatre

When Mérida’s first citizens wanted to be entertained, one of the places they headed was the Roman Theatre. The venue was inaugurated around 15 B.C. and could accommodate up to 6,000 spectators. Allow at least half an hour for a self-guided tour of the well-preserved site. For many centuries, it lay buried underground, until excavations started in 1910.

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2. Puente Romano

More than 2,000 years after its construction, the Puente Romano is still in use. Cross the Guadiana River on this ancient bridge. This was one of the first Roman structures to be built in Mérida and it is one of the longest Roman bridges surviving in the modern world.

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3. Temple of Diana

The Temple of Diana was a sacred place of worship dedicated to the Roman imperial cult, which regarded emperors and some members of their families as gods. The granite structure was built in the 1st century and would have been part of the forum, where the city’s most important buildings were located. Look up in awe at this ancient structure.

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4. Plaza de Espana

The Plaza de España has been a central feature of life in Mérida since medieval times. Over the years, it has hosted bullfights, festivals, markets, games, processions and executions. Today, come to the pretty square for a stroll and some relaxation as you watch passersby enjoying sunny days.

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5. National Museum of Roman Art

The National Museum of Roman Art is housed inside an impressive-looking building that recreates the grandeur of ancient Roman structures. Within the exhibition halls and galleries, see ceramics, sculptures, tombstones, mosaics and paintings from Mérida’s period as a Roman colony.

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6. Alcazaba

When Mérida's 9th-century Muslim rulers wanted to protect themselves from local uprisings and revolts, they built the magnificent Alcazaba. See this impressive Arab fortification with its thick walls and 25 towers. While the remaining walls clearly define the overall structure, note that much of the original interior has not survived.

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7. Circo Romano

The Circo Romano was an ancient sporting arena, where chariots once raced. Visit the site, considered one of the best-preserved Roman circuses to survive to the present day. It features the remains of stands and entrances as well as an on-site museum.

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8. Acueducto de los Milagros

Visit the Acueducto de los Milagros, constructed about 2,000 years ago to supply water to the Roman colony of Emerita Augusta, now known as Mérida. Like many Roman aqueducts, it was colossal. A small section remains today and is known as the Aqueduct of the Miracles, because of its awe-inspiring appearance.

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9. Arco de Trajano

During Roman times, people would have walked under the Arco de Trajano to access a colossal temple of the imperial cult, the religion that regarded emperors and some of their relatives as gods. The doorway was one of three gateways to the sacred temple, the remains of which are along Holguin Street. It was the central and biggest arch. See the tall structure that has survived to the present day.

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Popular places to visit

Roman Theatre

Explore the well-preserved remains of this 2,000-year-old theater that serves its original function as a performance venue as it has for scores of generations.

Puente Romano

Walk across this lengthy Roman bridge, a magnificent structure that has withstood centuries of damage from rain, floods and battles.

Temple of Diana

See the ruins of one of the most important buildings in Roman Mérida, a temple where sacrifices were made and emperors were worshipped.

Plaza de Espana

In the heart of Mérida's historical center is its medieval square. Relax in the restaurants and visit centuries-old buildings that surround this attractive plaza.

National Museum of Roman Art

Discover many fascinating Roman works of art, such as sculptures, portraits and inscriptions, and see how Roman houses were decorated.

Alcazaba

In addition to its Roman buildings, Mérida has many other historical attractions, including this Arab stronghold from the 9th century.

Amphitheatre of Merida

Get tickets for a show at Amphitheatre of Merida, a storied theater in Merida. Experience the area's theater scene and entertainment venues.

Circo Romano

During your time in Mérida, visit this 1st-century Roman sporting arena, which features parts of its original stands and a U-shaped track.

Acueducto de los Milagros

Marvel at this wonderful example of Roman architecture and engineering, which brought water into the city from a reservoir several miles away.

Areas of Merida

Merida Old Town

Historic sites, theaters, and museums highlight some of the noteworthy features of Merida Old Town. Make a stop by Roman Theatre or National Museum of Roman Art while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Bellavista

You'll appreciate the restaurants during your time in Bellavista and you might want to plan a stop by Puente Romano and Plaza de Espana while you're in the area.

Distrito 6

Visitors to Distrito 6 appreciate its restaurants. A visit to Puente Romano and Plaza de Espana might round out your trip if you're looking to see more of the area.

El Prado

Though El Prado might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Archaeological area of Moreria and Acueducto de los Milagros.

San Antonio

Though San Antonio might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Puente Romano and Plaza de Espana.

Polígono Industrial Cepansa

While Polígono Industrial Cepansa isn't home to many top sights, Puente Romano and Plaza de Espana are some notable places to visit nearby.

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Things to do in Merida

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