The Other Mérida

Regular readers of my blog know that one of my favorite destinations in Mexico is Mérida, the capital of the state of Yucatán.  The city in Mexico, however, is the namesake of a much older city... Mérida, Spain.  On a trip to Spain in 2008, I had the opportunity to visit the original Mérida.

Mérida, Spain, is located in the province of Extremadura, which stretches along the country's western border with Portugal.  Extremadura is a sparsely populated, semi-arid region which was the birthplace of many of the "conquistadores" who set off in the 16th century to find fame and fortune in the Americas.

With a population of around 40,000, Mérida, Spain, is much smaller and quieter than its Mexican sister.  However, its relaxed and pleasant atmosphere reminded me in a way of Mérida, Mexico.

 

The Plaza de España is the center of the city.

 

 

What makes Mérida a worthwhile tourist destination is its history.  The city was founded in 25 BC by the Romans.  Its original name was "Emerita Augusta".  The Emperor Augustus Caesar ordered the construction of the city as a place for retired army veterans to settle.  The town prospered.  It eventually became the largest Roman city in the Iberian peninsula and the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania, which consisted of present day Portugal and western Spain.  Today Mérida has more Roman ruins than any other city in Spain.

 

 

The theater of Mérida was built in 15 BC.  It had seating for 6000 spectators.  It is one of the best preserved Roman theaters in existence, and is still used for summer drama festivals.

 

 

 

 

Adjacent to the theater are the remains of the Roman amphitheater.  Built in 8 BC, it seated 14,000 people and was the venue for gladiatorial contests.

 

 

 

 

Nearby the remains of a wealthy Roman home were uncovered.  The house featured beautiful mosaic floors.

 

 

 

 

These Roman columns stand along one of Mérida's city streets.

 

 

 

 

The Temple of Diana was once a part of the city's Forum.  In the 16th century a mansion was built within the pillars of the temple.

 

 

 

 

The Arch of Trajan was probably a ceremonial entrance into the Forum.

 



 

 

Mérida is the home of the excellent National Museum of Roman Art.  The modern, brick building was built to resemble a Roman basilica, and contains an large collection of Roman statuary, mosaics and artifacts.

 

 

 

 

The Roman bridge crossing the Guadiana River is still open to pedestrian traffic.  Consisting of thirty granite arches, it is the longest Roman bridge in existence.

 

 

 



A contrast in old and new... the ancient Roman bridge in the foreground, and the modern span of the Lusitania Bridge in the background.