From Toledo, we move our way down to the western part of Spain to the city of Merida. Merida was one of the most famous Roman capitols of the Iberian Peninsula, and features some of the best preserved Roman ruins in Europe. This city was held to be the traditional boundary between Moorish and Christian Spain. Merida was passed between Christian, Moorish, and even Portuguese control. It is a beautiful city to walk through and resembles her conquerers very much. Many say it is a smaller Rome and combined with the Moorish touch, it is an ancient sight one much see.
Merida is known for six main ancient sights to see; however, the crown jewel of her Roman heritage is The Roman Theater. This landmark was build by Agrippa in 18 B.C. and can seat 6000 people. During the months of June and July, plays are often staged here.
The next of Merida's preserved Roman sights are the Aqueducts. There is over 5 miles of aqueduct running through Merida. The most complete is found on the northwest side of town and feeds into two nearby man made lakes. It is called the Acueducto de los Milagroson.
The Roman Bridge consists of 64 granite arches and is the longest bridge in Roman Spain. Now, you will find the bridge serving as a footbridge over the Guadiana river. A modern bridge was built behind to take the load off the ancient Roman Bridge. However, it was not until 1993 when the old bridge was decommissioned as the main entrance into town for vehicle traffic.
Directly in the center of town, you will find the Temple of Diana. It is a rather odd looking Roman ruin that consists of many columns. During the 17th century a nobleman built an extraordinary large home inside these columns, using four of them directly as the structure of the house.
There are incredible views from the top of the Alcazaba which is located near the Roman bridge. In 835, the Alcazaba was constructed as a Roman fort to protect the bridge and the city.
Last but not least, one cannot miss the Museo Nacional de Arte Romano (National Museum of Roman Art). This museum opened in 1986 and provides a rather sublime display of statuary and other antiquities used by the Romans. It is located near the entrance to the theater and amphitheater.
