Things to do in Merida

Activities, attractions and tours

Puente Romano
Roman Theatre
Merida
Merida
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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Roman Theatre

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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Puente Romano

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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Temple of Diana

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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Plaza de Espana

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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National Museum of Roman Art

6. 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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Acueducto de los Milagros

7. 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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Alcazaba

8. 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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Arco de Trajano

What to do in Merida


Popular places to visit

Areas of Merida

Puente Romano

Merida Old Town

5/5(3 area reviews)

Historical sites, theatres and museums are some highlights of Merida Old Town. Make a stop by Roman Theatre or National Museum of Roman Art while you're exploring.

Merida Old Town
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Distrito 6

Distrito 6 is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can plan an outing to Puente Romano and Plaza de Espana while you're in town.

Distrito 6
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Nueva Ciudad

Nueva Ciudad might not have many top sights, but Puente Romano and Plaza de Espana are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Nueva Ciudad
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San Antonio

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in San Antonio and surrounding area, you can visit Puente Romano and Plaza de Espana.

San Antonio
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Polígono Industrial Cepansa

Polígono Industrial Cepansa might not have many top sights, but Puente Romano and Plaza de Espana are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Polígono Industrial Cepansa
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El Prado

While El Prado isn't home to many top sights, Acueducto de los Milagros and Puente Romano are some notable places to visit nearby.

El Prado