Mérida

Located in the north of the province of Badajoz, Mérida is a city where you can relive what the ancient Roman Empire was.

Mérida was founded as a Roman colony in 25 BC by the order of Emperor Octavius Augustus. The goal was for it to be a retirement place for veteran soldiers, known as emeritus. Its name, Emérita Augusta, came precisely from the combination of Augustus and emeritus. From this period, we have the Temple of Diana, the Casa del Mitreo, the Arch of Trajan, the Amphitheatre,  the Roman Bridge, the Theatre, the aqueduct, or the Circus. Meanwhile, the Museum of Roman Art houses a series of pieces found in various excavations.

Different remains from the Muslim period have also survived. From this period dates the Alcazaba, ordered to be built by Abderramán II. In 1209, the troops of Alfonso IX conquered the city, turning it into the headquarters of the Priory of San Marcos de León of the Order of Santiago. Mérida grew significantly from the 19th century, being declared in 1983 the capital of Extremadura.

In 1993, the archaeological ensemble of Mérida was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. A truly deserved recognition for a city that can transport us to ancient Roman times.

Beyond its incredible heritage, Mérida is less than 10 km from the Cornalvo Natural Park and 3 km from the Proserpina Dam (of Roman origin). These are ideal natural spaces for spending a day enjoying a unique environment. Also worth mentioning is another highly interesting visitable spot: the Dolmen of Lácara. This prehistoric vestige is an architectural gem from the Chalcolithic period and of great tourist interest.

Concerning festivities, the Roman Carnival of Mérida is celebrated annually in the city. Also noteworthy are its Holy Week and the September Fair. All this perfectly combines with a rich and varied gastronomy, which can be enjoyed in a large number of restaurants, bars, and taverns. We can highlight the Iberian ham, cheese, or dishes such as lamb stew, rabbit, or partridge.