We invite you on a journey through the city of Mérida, the ancient city of "Emérita Augusta", which will undoubtedly kick-start a perfect holiday discovering the essence of one of the most charming corners of Badajoz.
Strolling through its streets and enjoying its layout is like walking through the remains of an ancient Roman city, capital of the province of "Lusitania" in the past, and founded by Octavian Augustus in 24th B.C. And this is not just intangible information, as the rural tourism offered by the city of Mérida will allow you to visit all those places that have been preserved to the present day.
Are you thinking of travelling to Mérida but don't know when the best time is to do it? We suggest that you choose the Holy Week season or during the summer months in July and August, when you can experience one of the most important events for tourism in Mérida.
This event is the Mérida Theatre Festival, where culture and heritage combine in the performances that take place in the ancient Roman Theatre. This experience will also allow you to enjoy the breathtaking views of the theatre at night.
If you ask us what you can't miss, we would definitely highlight the Roman Theatre, Amphitheatre and Circus. Three places that are part of the Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida, which is also a World Heritage Site, although they are not the only ones.
The Roman Bridge shows you history in its very construction, as it was the longest bridge in the Roman Empire, 800 metres long, spanning the waters of the "Guadiana". Today you can walk across it, as it has been made pedestrianised, with spectacular views of the "Alcazaba" and very close to the Monument of "Las Siete Sillas", which was buried for many centuries.
Another place not to be missed is the site of "Morerías" and the necropolis of "Los Columbarios". Set aside some time to visit the city's two important aqueducts: "Los Milagros and Rabo de Buey-San Lázaro", both in a good state of conservation to the date.
Also well preserved is the Temple of "Diana", which will take you back to ancient Rome thanks to its imposing columns that once guarded the Palace of the Count of "Corbos", of which there are still remains inside the temple.
Once in Mérida, a stroll through its streets will take you to the Arch of "Trajan", which is thought to have been the entrance to the city's forum. Although it is called "Trajan's", studies suggest that it belonged to the emperor Tiberius. You can also find and visit the "Casa del Mitreo", a spectacular domus (typical Roman house) of authentic luxury for the period, which has some representations of nature in its decoration.
Finally, and although Mérida has a much wider range of tourist attractions than this exhibition, we recommend that you visit one of the most famous constructions of the period: the Roman baths. You can find two in the city: those of "San Lázaro" and those of the "snow well". A spectacular visit!
To round off a complete rural tourism experience, don't miss the chance to enjoy its gastronomy with products such as acorn-fed ham, the land par excellence of this delicacy, and "Casar" cheese, with great intensity in both flavour and aroma. And of course, the "migas extremeñas" (fried breadcrumbs) and lamb stew will round off your trip to Mérida.
