Mérida is a city located in the Extremadura region of western Spain, known for its impressive Roman ruins. It was founded in 25 BC as a Roman city and has preserved many of its historical monuments, including an amphitheater, a theater and an aqueduct. Mérida is also the capital of the province of Badajoz and is famous for its cultural heritage and rich gastronomy. Today, it is a popular tourist destination due to its historical heritage, its relaxed atmosphere and its location in a beautiful rural area.
Mérida offers several free walking tours that can be a great way to explore the city and learn more about its historical and cultural heritage. Here are some of the free tours available in Mérida:
Free Tour Mérida Monumental: This tour is an excellent introduction to the city and its main attractions. It focuses on the main Roman monuments of the city, such as the Roman Theater, the Amphitheater and the Temple of Diana, and also includes information about the history and culture of the city.
Free Tour of Christian Merida: This tour focuses on the Christian era of the city and its most important monuments. It includes the Basilica of Santa Eulalia, the Arch of Trajan and the Moorish Alcazaba, and offers information about Christian life and culture in Merida.
Merida by Night Free Tour: This tour takes place at night and focuses on the history and culture of the city during Roman times. The historical monuments are illuminated and create a unique atmosphere that is perfect for exploring the city after dark.
What to see in Merida?
Mérida is a city full of history and heritage, with a wealth of monuments and places of interest to visit. Here is a list of some of the most outstanding sites you can see in Mérida:
-
Roman Theater: This impressive Roman theater is one of the most famous monuments in Merida. Built in the 1st century BC, it seats about 6,000 spectators and is still used for shows and concerts.
-
Roman Amphitheater: Another impressive Roman monument, the amphitheater was built in the 1st century A.D. and had a capacity of about 15,000 spectators. Gladiator fights and other public events were held here.
-
Temple of Diana: This ancient Roman temple is located in the center of the city and is a popular place to take pictures. It is believed to have been built in the 1st century BC and was dedicated to the Roman goddess Diana.
-
National Museum of Roman Art: This museum houses an impressive collection of Roman artifacts, including mosaics, sculptures and everyday objects. It was designed by the famous architect Rafael Moneo and is considered one of the best Roman art museums in the world.
-
Aqueduct of the Miracles: This Roman aqueduct is located on the outskirts of the city and is one of the best preserved in Spain. It was built in the 1st century A.D. to supply water to the city.
-
Roman Bridge: This stone bridge was built in the 1st century BC and is another impressive monument from Roman times. It is still in use today and offers excellent views of the Guadiana River.
These are just some of the places you can visit in Mérida. You can also explore the old town, with its narrow streets and charming squares, or visit the Roman Forum, the Moorish Alcazaba and the Basilica of Santa Eulalia, among other places of interest.