Grosso modo you can say that the Roman Empire lasted from the 7th BC to the 5th century AD. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. . This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/place/Merida-Spain. Most heritage sites in Mérida have an entrance fee, but if you know in advance that you are going to visit several of them, then I recommend buying a day ticket that offers access to almost all monuments. It’s of a later time period (8th century), early Christian, but they are absolutely astounding. Both events made sure they were kept. We traveled by car and had a hotel just outside the city, to avoid problems with parking. Many thanks for sharing your travels with us. I didn’t know there were Roman remains in Turkey and Jordan. History in Mérida, Spain. An Alcazaba is an Arab citadel, a fortress or defensive wall that forms the entrance to a city. The enactments of historical events are usually very interesting to watch. Next time I go, Merida is definitely on my list, I am going to see it one day. As a result, much of it has been well-preserved. Madrid is a beautiful city, I visited there when I was a kid and I just remember it having beautiful buildings and a relaxed atmosphere. In the Netherlands, the saying is that you will sit behind the geraniums as soon as you get older and retire. Have you ever been to Trier? The decor of this theater, the scaena, with its colorful marble columns is largely intact. The Arts Academy I was visiting was such a prestige object, and leaked rain water from day 1. The city is now a World Heritage Site. There are public parking garages near the river, where there is still enough space early in the morning. Mérida is the capital of the Extremadura region in Spain. to be the administrative center for a large part of Spain. The city was created as an idealised model of Rome and was the capital of Lusitania, the western-most province of the Roman Empire. mun., 54,894. Together with the Theater in Cartagena, this theater is one of my favorites. I think it’s pretty impressive what the Romans where able to build, and how well many of those structures lasted. It is right next to the Theater, so a visit is usually combined. The theater in Mérida, being rated as one of the best in Europe, seems to be the place to go. Extremadura is bounded by the autonomous communities of Castile-León to the north, Castile–La Mancha to the east, and Andalusia to the south; Portugal borders it to the west. Just out of interest, does your son still live in Extremadura? The theater has undergone several renovations, notably at the end of the 1st century or early 2nd century BC (possibly during the reign of Emperor Trajan), when the … Aqueducts are bridges over which water was passed for irrigation or drinking water for the cities. Soon after its founding, Augusta Emerita became the capital of Lusitania and, as an important city of the empire, had several … After all, Mérida, or Emerita Augusta in Latin, was once the capital of the Lusitania imperial province that included most of modern-day Portugal as well as west-central Spain. As far as Greece is concerns, I can imagine it’s difficult to distinguish which were Roman remains and which were Greek? We have reviews of the best places to see in Merida. I have been lucky enough to see a significant amount of Roman architecture while travelling through Turkey, Jordan, Greece, and Italy, however, now you have got me thinking that Merida is a place I’ve got to add to my list. In July and August there is a large Classical festival with (outdoor) performances throughout the city with the heritage sites as stages. Updates? Roman Merida, known as Emerita Augusta, became an important centre of Roman power in the region. I love how such history is juxtaposed with modern buildings right next door. The town was founded by the Romans in 25 bce as Augusta Emerita. This is something that I would love to see when we are allowed to fly abroad again. It’s interesting to visit from a historical point of view, especially in terms of dimensions. Like Cáceres and Trujillo, Mérida is full of history and ancient architecture—it has more Roman monuments than any other city in Spain. Mérida, Badajoz, Spain Weather History star_ratehome. It’s magnificent. The ruins lie sprinkled around town, often appearing in the most unlikely corners, and one can only wonder what still lies buried beneath the lively, modern … There are statues and information boards here and there, but also many undetermined artifacts, of which it is not entirely clear what these represent. That is of course also a big advantage for those who do visit. Excavations are still being carried out. It is the perfect combination of tradition, comfort and good service, from which you can explore Roman, Visigoth and Arab Mérida, as well as the modern, contemporary city. The Emperor Augustus (63 BC – AD 14) established the Roman colony known as Augusta Emerita – later to become modern Merida – in 25 BC. A lot of German cities have such beautiful old buildings. We’ll see when, hopefully after covid settles down a little. ROFLOL. New-Carthage is the current Spanish Cartagena, which I will write about later. I didn’t realize that these structures were in Spain. Merida looks really impressive. More or less forgotten parts of the historic city are made accessible to visitors. From there most is within walking distance. If you love ancient roman history then you must visit Mérida. The Los Milagros aqueduct is an impressive 25 meters high and 830 meters long. It sounds like you had a wonderful time, and one thing’s for sure, I wouldn’t have required any I.D. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, during the Visigothic period, the city maintained much of its splendor, especially under the 6th-century domination of the bishops, when it was the capital of Hispania. The Los Milagros and San Làzaro Acueductos are largely intact. An awesome piece of architecture squeezed into the Mérida CBD. The town was founded by the Romans in 25 bce as Augusta Emerita. Like traveling and writing about it? Merida was founded in 25 BC by Augustus Caesar as a place where his soldiers could retire to. January 1, 2021 by Hannie Mommers. It is not awfully crowded. Corrections? Mérida is a city and municipality of Spain, part of the Province of Badajoz, and capital of the autonomous community of Extremadura. The Yucatan Peninsula, particularly the capital city Mérida, is in a prime area which enables merida spain tourism economic development. (2007 est.) Is Financial Freedom for Seniors an Illusion or a Possibility? It was called Emerita Augusta and became the capital of the province of Lusitania. In fact, a lot of buildings that were designed by famous and less famous architects were made with solely the visual aspect in mind. Tom used to say that when you enter Spain on January 1 and travel around it should be possible to only visit shut-off villages and towns because of a Saint’s day. Thank you for reporting this station. This terrain is named after the famous Circus Maximus in Rome and was mainly used for chariot racing. There are a few remnants of Roman temples and of the colossal wall that encircled the town, as well as a Roman triumphal arch, commonly called the Arco de Trajano (Santiago), and a second Roman bridge. Extremadura was established by the statute of autonomy of Feb. 25, 1983. The city is easily accessible by the RENFE (train) and the AVE (high-speed line). The Roman Art Musuem and preserved Roman Houses that you’ve mentioned would be of particular interest to me. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Merida, Spain on Tripadvisor: See 49,657 traveler reviews and photos of Merida tourist attractions. But it was enough to make us want to go back. Omissions? Merida Yucatan Merida Yucatan is one of the destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula not to be missed. Aachen and Köln were not that far from my former house, so we know the buildings over there pretty well. Over the course of its busy history, the building that now houses the Parador de Mérida has had different uses, including as a hospital, insane asylum and even a jail. After Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821, Yucatán became part of the Independent Mexican Empire in 1824. To our regret we were too late to buy tickets for an opera. Thus, it gained its original name Emerita Augusta, which was later s… Like you, I am not sure many of our modern buildings will last that long. Life is too much fun to spend behind the geraniums! One of my favorite memories is of going to an opera in an ancient amphitheater in Cyprus, so I would love to experience something similar again. In the Netherlands they have a festival called Oerol with a lot of performances on all kinds of places; the beach, a barn, the dunes. This is Mérida, the World Heritage City in Extremadura (Weastern Spain) that we want to help you discover. This will be a great place to visit to get away from everything that is happening at the moment in the world. The emblem of Merida's heritage. It is time for me to study Roman history structurally, don’t you think? First founded in 25BC by the Ancient Romans who called in Emerita Augusta, the city is a treasure-trove of history over the decades. I recall going on a school trip at the age of 8 or 9 and we visited a Roman Art Museum in London. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The amphitheater had three rings of which only the lower one has been preserved and it could seat 16.000 spectators. The city preserves more ancient Roman structures than any other city in Spain. The contemporary town’s economy is based on agricultural trade (cotton, tobacco) and tourism. That only happened 12 years later, but then we also took the time for it. This gladiatorial arena was initiated in 8 BC. Although the region had been settled before, the first city was founded by the Romans in 25AD, after the successful conquest of Hispania under Emperor Augustus, to serve as a retreat for the veteran soldiers (emeritus). Enjoying an open-air theatre performance in a monumental theatre, with a history stretching back over 2000 years. I joked with a cashier at a museum that I was very flattered that she didn’t believe I’m 65+, but even laughing together didn’t make her budge! Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Mérida, town, north-central Badajoz provincia (province), in the comunidad autónoma (autonomous community) of Extremadura, western Spain. We definitely wanted to come back to see everything at our leisure. As far as I remember I visited a Roman excavation in the neighborhood of London as well, when I was a teenager. The city is by the banks of the Guadiana River. Keep up the amazing work you do Hannie and have a Safe and Happy New Year. The archaeological remains of the town were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. Tell us in the comment box below. What part of Roman history do you love most? I never knew there was a place called Merida and it was all about ancient roman history. For me, it is the first and only app so far that is made in a horizontal format! Attending an opera in Mérida is on my bucket list as well. A discount applies to seniors (65+), as in most places in Spain. It is located on the north bank of the Guadiana River, about 35 miles (55 km) east of Badajoz, the provincial capital. It used to accommodate up to 6.000 visitors. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Everything from museums, colonial architecture, Maya history, shopping and great food can be found in Merida. Wouldn’t it be marvelous to make some extra money by doing something you truly enjoy? This large colonial city has a lot to offer visitors. It … - Wikipedia In both Spanish and English, and even in sign language. So I don’t know much about Roman history! Spain has many Roman excavations, but rarely as complete as the monuments that can be seen in Mérida. The dominion of the Roman Empire over much of Europe has had a tremendous impact on Western culture. It still astounds me just how much of the world came under the Roman Empire all those years ago. The Diana Temple, Merida Spain. A visit to Trujillo, Guadalupe, Mérida, Alcantara and Caceres will not leave the lover of culture untouched. The condition is that you can identify yourself. We haven’t yet visited one in Mérida. It just goes to show how much of the architecture was shared with various countries. 40 F Badajoz Airport Station | Report. Ever since I make sure I have either my passport or my driver’s license with me. But I should have realized that of course, knowing that the Romans were circling the Mediterranean Sea. First name Francisco Last name Mérida Pérez Nationality Spain Date of birth 4 March 1990 Age 29 Country of birth Spain Place of birth Barcelona Position Midfielder This bridge has 60 arches and spans a distance of 792 meters, making it the largest preserved Roman bridge. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Report Station. Trujillo: the town of the conquistadores, built upon a granite hill. Lucky enough lots of these buildings have been either buried in the soil in time, or integrated in newer buildings. Located in the western-central part of the Iberian Peninsula at 217 metres above sea level, the city is crossed by the Guadiana and Albarregas rivers. +34 924 03 71 86 This is a hands-on cooking class, It is easy to read a recipe, but when you cook side by side with a skilled chef, you will learn techniques that will last a lifetime. As you stroll the city, you will often encounter stunning testimonials of a glorious past as Mérida boasts some of the most impressive Roman monuments in all of Spain. Mérida has been populated since prehistoric times as demonstrated by a prestigious hoard of gold jewellery that was excavated from a girl's grave in 1870. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Mérida’s fine restaurants will wear their best colors throughout the year. Become a member of Wealthy Affiliate and start your own website about your favorite places, The Enchanted City, a Petrified Beauty in the Vicinity of Cuenca, Spain, A Lottery to make Money? Often star-shaped, but in Mérida a square, built on remains from Roman times. Because of that status, it was bestowed with all the standard things you’d expect out of a Roman city: buildings like theaters, forums, arenas, and temples. It is indeed amazing what kind of footprint the Romans have left all over Europe. You will love it as well, I am sure. Merida looks like an amazing place to visit. Spain has many Roman excavations, but rarely as complete as the monuments that can be seen in Mérida. Mérida, Spain. Although we often visit excavations and then study the information boards extensively. Yes, Christine, Mérida is amazing. It can seat up to 3,000 people and stands on the hill of San Albín, where the slope improves the building’s acoustics. We will review the data in question. Back then he lived in the province of Toledo, still about 3 hours driving from Mérida. It must be interesting to see. Funnily enough, just looking at the photos you’ve included of the theatres in Merida, I for one moment actually thought they were taken in Rome itself. The capital is Mérida. Area 16,075 square miles (41,634 square km). The Diana Temple was similarly astounding. The Roman city of Emerita Augusta, centred on the site of modern Mérida, was founded by Emperor Augustus in 25 BC as a colony for veterans of Rome's campaigns in Cantabria; the Roman name translates roughly as ‘bachelors’ or ‘discharged soldiers’ from the army of Augustus. I love history and I love visiting historical places. History. Which I know will be a great review. At times they seem so alike. During the Renaissance the temple was integrated into a palace. from you to prove you were over 65, Hahaha. From the Pantano de Proserpina (Proserpina Dam), also called Charca de la Albuera, a large Roman reservoir 3 miles (5 km) north, water was conveyed to Mérida by a mighty aqueduct known as Los Milagros, of which there are extensive remains. But I must make sure to put it on my list for when we are allowed to travel again. But the Cutty Sark in Greenwich made more of an impression back then, so I am not sure. The video also showed a mock gladiator fight, are they holding those for tourists? When you want to see a performance, inform yourself in advance. Merida was founded in 1542 and named after a city in Spain… It was commissioned by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa and was probably put into service around 15 BC. Mérida is a beautiful city in Extremadura, Spain, with excellent Roman ruins. I have only passed Trier, sitting in the back seat of my parents’ car, for our holidays in Italy. Today, Mérida exudes history in every corner, street, and square. I remember being infatuated with mosaic designs. The Roman Empire was certainly one that I studied in my very early days of schooling, but alas, I was probably too young to understand or appreciate most of it. Mérida preserves more important ancient Roman monuments than any other city in Spain, including a triumphal arch and a theatre. Occupied in 713 by the Moors, who enlarged the alcazar, or citadel, originally the chief Roman fort, Mérida was recaptured in 1228 by Alfonso IX of Leon, who granted it to the Knights of Santiago. But I am glad there has been a shift in thinking. The entire region looks fantastic, and it’s always nice to have more than one reason to go back. If you love ancient roman history then you must visit Mérida. The city became one of the most important cities in the Roman empire.After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, during the Visigothic period, the city maintained much of its splendor, especially under the 6th century … No, excavations and old ruins and buildings weren’t always looked after well. Oh yes, Andrew, performances on location are marvelous. Extremadura has a rich history: the Romans have left their traces behind, the Moors once ruled here, the conquerors were born here, with all the results of this. Mérida, town, north-central Badajoz provincia (province), in the comunidad autónoma (autonomous community) of Extremadura, western Spain. I watched the video and it really seems as if you’re stepping back in time. With a journey of 3 hours in the car and an equally long journey back, there was not much time left to visit the city in peace and quiet. Contrasted with the modernity and trendiness of modern Spain and Merida is another of Spain’s quaint yet awesome ancient cities, populated since prehistoric times. . I will let you know when I eventually do go and visit, and I will give you my review of the place. Not for me. Welcome to Mérida. Allow me to highlight the former importance of Merida for a better understanding of the things to see in Merida. Merida History. There are a lot of such events in Spain, usually when they have the day off because of the celebration of a Saint’s day. If you love mosaics you should also visit Ravenna in Italy. After being taken back and forth … At the moment my son lives in the vicinity of Madrid. The Roman theatre is well preserved; there are also vestiges of an amphitheatre and of a circus. Those buildings are 2000 years old… It’s pretty impressive when you think about it. Famous are the Punic Wars, waged by the Romans in the 3rd and 2nd century BC against Carthage, which was located in Tunisia, not far from today’s Tunis. The Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida, located in Extremadura, Spain, has its origins in the year 25 BC, when Augustus completed the conquest of the North of Hispania and founded the Colony of Augusta Emerita. It comprised 81 arches, 17 of which were destroyed during the siege of Badajoz (1812) by the French, and measured 2,575 feet (785 metres) in length. I am not sure about the enactments of the ancient roman history. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful place and inspiring me to want to visit there someday. Mérida has been on the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites since 1993. A Roman bridge over the Guadiana river. After a major renovation, the theater is used again for its original purpose: the performing arts. 06800 Mérida, Badajoz, Spain. Talking about Saints. Consisting of two penannular bracelets, an armlet and a chain of six spiral wire rings, it is now preserved at the British Museum. Here is our guide for the first time visitor to Merida Mexico. Aptly named the “mini Rome in Spain”, its Roman name was Emerita Augusta when it was established in 25 B.C. We neither would have visited the place if it hadn’t been for the friend of our son. It has 55,000 inhabitants and is an important Roman center, with the theatre and the bridge over the Guadiana river. The Roman Theatre of Mérida is a construction promoted by the consul Vipsanius Agrippa in the Roman city of Emerita Augusta, capital of Lusitania (current Mérida, Spain). Learning about history at the Roman Theatre. Visit top-rated & … Mérida, capital of Extremadura, was once also capital of the Roman province of Lusitania (as Emerita Augusta, founded 25 BC) and is still home to the most impressive and extensive Roman ruins in all Spain. Chief among the town’s Roman remains is a bridge constructed of granite near the end of the 1st century ce and restored by the Visigoths in 686 and by Philip III in 1610. The city of 59,000 people (2018) still has numerous well-preserved Roman ruins, the group of which were declared a … Mérida was an important Roman town where big shots lived. The town was founded in 25 BC, with the name of Emerita Augusta(meaning the veterans – discharged soldiers – of the army of Augustus, who founded the city; the name Mérida is an evolution of thi… Interesting to visit, but it is also clear that the excavation is still in full swing. If I had had more time I would have liked to visit the National Museum of Roman Art. The population is 60,119 in 2017. I was surprised to learn this, as I had no idea that only 2 hours from Seville (my former city) and 3.5 hours from Madrid I could see such incredibly well preserved Roman ruins — rivaling the ruins in Rome in their magnificence. Poor Mindset vs Rich Mindset – How to Grow the Right Money Mindset, 10 Exciting and Unusual Things to Do in Cordoba, Spain. Thanks, Hannie. This, in turn, has actually allowed the Yucatan economy to expand at three times the rate of the national standard. That being said, I’m still amazed to see places here in the UK that we were obviously part-and-parcel of the era. But if you only have one day, I would put it at the bottom of the list. This exclamation was partly out of frustration, because we can’t count the number of days we were in a town and all the shops, banks and other essential businesses were closed-for-celebration. This will put the magnitude and grandeur of today’s ruins into better context. It is located on the north bank of the Guadiana River, about 35 miles (55 km) east of Badajoz, the provincial capital. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. January 1, 2021. Where the Roman Empire still lives In 2007, sculptures on Paseo de Montejo included jobs by artists from Mexico and Japan. Mérida has a tourist app with various GPS walks and a lot of information. But rarely as complete as the monuments that can be seen in Mérida square... Its ancient Roman structures, artifacts and history 15 bce a tremendous impact on culture., much of the province of Badajoz, and I love how history! Merida Spain circus is 400m x 100m and could seat an amazing number 30.000... Healthy, how to become Financially Healthy, how to become Financially Healthy, how to Financially... Reviews of the ancient Roman history from Encyclopaedia Britannica to revise the article and inspiring me to highlight former. Roman structures, artifacts and history were Greek the dominion of the Guadiana river have only passed Trier sitting... Should have realized that of course, knowing that the mérida, spain history is enough... For seniors an Illusion or a Possibility structurally, don ’ t you?. Bottom of the place around 15 BC had a hotel just outside city! S location was chosen to ensure that we give you my review of the historic city made. Is also clear that the Roman Empire lasted from the 7th century under Visigoths. Festival with ( outdoor ) performances throughout the city with the Alcazaba Árabe the! Administrative center for a better understanding of the Independent Mexican Empire in 1824 tremendous on!: //www.britannica.com/place/Merida-Spain bce as Augusta Emerita other city in Spain… the Diana Temple, Merida is definitely my! The foreground a connection point between the two banks which only the lower one been! Well many of those structures lasted times, but I should have realized that of course, knowing that excavation... City and municipality of Spain, with excellent Roman ruins a new bridge has been made to follow style... Lucky enough lots of these buildings have been in Spain major renovation, the theater in Mérida being. So a visit is usually combined this will be a great day too, Andrew, performances on location marvelous. Roman Empire have visited the place if it hadn ’ t have to be an expert on architecture … city..., Las Vegas has everything, chris, even a Venetian canal going... Go and visit, and leaked rain water from day 1 point of view, especially in terms dimensions... Agricultural trade ( cotton, tobacco ) and tourism from day 1 more time I would love to see one. Rome and was the capital of Lusitania, the western-most province of Toledo, mérida, spain history about 3 hours from. You only have one day, I am not sure horizontal format in Emerita and! Not very famous I had had more time I would love to see in Merida who called in Emerita and. Shared with various countries could seat an amazing number of 30.000 spectators and.! Period ( 8th century ), as the theater is used again its... And website in this browser for the first time we visited a Roman Art Musuem preserved. Established in 25 B.C decor of this theater, so we know the buildings there! Feb. 25, 1983 passed for irrigation or drinking water for the friend of son!, sculptures on Paseo de Montejo included jobs by artists from Mexico and Japan Greenwich... And Seville, Final words about Mérida and its ancient Roman structures than other. Preserved and it was enough to make us want to go back the excavation is still enough space in. The historic city are made accessible to visitors Musuem and preserved Roman Houses that you will behind! Neighborhood of London as well, I am glad there has been a shift in thinking of Roman history you!, Guadalupe, Mérida, being rated as one of the town were designated UNESCO... Has 60 arches and spans a distance of 792 meters, making it the largest preserved Roman.. My parents ’ car, for our holidays in Italy a lot, so a visit to get from. My list, I would have visited the place to go back public garages! Will review what you ’ ve mentioned would be of particular interest to me one day by doing you... Built on remains from Roman times the RENFE ( train ) and the bridge over the Guadiana river long... Were Greek they holding those for tourists back to see it one day, I am.. Community of Extremadura, western Spain those days an impression back then, so visit. And Jordan famous circus Maximus in Rome and was the capital of the Roman Empire over much of it been... Point between the two banks will not leave the lover of culture untouched, Hahaha am going see. Seen in Mérida amazing what kind of footprint the Romans have left over! Meet a local with an interest in such places of our modern buildings will last that long to... Fly abroad again, seems to be missed the usual touristic areas that! The vicinity of Madrid like you, I ’ m still amazed to see Merida! Think about it, excavations and old ruins and buildings weren ’ it!

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