Travel Guide to Merida, Spain

The first settlement on the territory of the modern city was founded in 25 BC and was used as a place of life for fired Roman soldiers. In those days the city was called Emerita Augusta in honor of its founder - the Emperor Augustus. Modern Merida attracts visitors by its amazing legacy of ancient times and peaceful atmosphere.

One of the city's main attractions is a suspension bridge with a magnificent panorama of the town. Walk on the bridge and you will reach the old Arab fortress and the Roman city. A theater, which construction took place in 16 BC, is the center of the ancient city. This theater was a gift from the Emperor Augustus to his son-in-law. The theatre is in perfect condition and so even nowadays various performances and presentations are organized in its walls. The hall of the theatre can accommodate 6000 spectators; in summer it hosts the annual Festival of Dramatic Art. One more ancient architectural structure is Amphitheater, which has an unusual elliptical shape. In ancient times there were organized gladiator battles, which usually gathered over 14 thousands of spectators.

National Museum is located just nearby. One of its halls is dedicated to ancient sculptures; there are also halls dedicated to collections of pottery, figurines, coins, bronzes and a collection of archaeological artifacts. Iglesia de Santa Eulalia Church and a chapel near it are among the most important religious sites. Near the city center is located Templo de Diana temple, which construction took place in the 1st century AD. Around the central Plaza Mayor, you can also find the Museum of West gothic art and Santa Clara Monastery. The most modern part of the city is the street of John Lennon. Here you can find best restaurants, major shopping malls and most noisy discos.