Merida, Extremadura
Merida, Extremadura - Overview:
Merida is a haven for history lovers, a fabulous place to walk - similar to Rome only much smaller! It features some of the best preserved Roman ruins in Europe today. Archaeology pops up in the strangest corners, and the Moorish influence adds a grace of its own to the town. It has a vast array of attractions including the National Museum of Roman Art, Roman Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, Circus Maximus, Temples of Diana and Mars, aqueducts and alcazaba.
Merida, Extremadura - History:
Situated between Lisbon and Madrid, Merida was an important Roman town. The capital of Extremadura, Merida was one of the most famous Roman cities of the Iberian Peninsula.
Extremadura was regarded as the traditional boundary between Moorish and Christian Spain. Merida itself has passed between Christian, Moorish, and even Portuguese control.
Merida, Extremadura - Getting there:
The N-V super-highway passes through Merida from Madrid or Lisbon. The RENFE station in Merida is located on Calle Cardero. There are four trains to and from Caceres (trip time: 1 hr.), five trains to and from Madrid(4.5-6 hours, 18.45-27 Euros one-way), one to and from Seville (3 hr.), and seven to and from Badajoz (1 hr.). The bus station is on Avenida de la Libertad near the train station. There are fewer buses to Madrid, but connections to Seville (6-8 buses per day) are much better.
Merida, Extremadura - Gastronomy:
As in other cities in Spain, lunch and dinner is served very late. Restaurants don't even think of serving dinner before 9pm or so. Most tapas bars open around noon. Tapas are small plates like appetisers that you can eat standing at a bar. Meant to satisfy one's hunger between meals, you can make an interesting night of going from bar to bar, eating tapas and drinking beer or wine. Some tapas are free, you may get a small item with your first drink order. The more tasty and ornate tapas will cost you, but are quite moderately priced. The tapas experience, especially off the beaten track in towns like Merida, can be a rewarding one. You'll meet friendly people who just come round to chat after (or before) work.
Merida, Extremadura - Sightseeing:
The Roman Theatre (Teatro Romano) is the jewel of Merida's Roman heritage. It was built by Agrippa in 18BC. 6,000 people could be seated in the theatre. In June and July plays are staged there.
There are over 5 miles of aqueduct running though Merida, although there isn't a section as complete as the one at Segovia. The Acueducto de los Milagroson the northwest side of town is the most complete, and feeds two nearby man made lakes.
The Roman Bridge consists of 64 granite arches and was the longest in Roman Spain, it is now a footbridge over the Guadiana river. The modern bridge behind it was used to take the load off the ancient one; it wasn't until 1993 that the Roman bridge was decommissioned as the main entrance into town for vehicular traffic.
Temple of Diana is right at the centre of town. It is a strange looking Roman ruin consisting of several columns. In the 17th century a nobleman built a rather large residence inside the columns, using four of them in the construction of the house itself.
The Alcazaba, constructed in 835 from the remains of a Roman fort, is located near the Roman Bridge, which it was designed to protect. There are good views from the top.
The Museo Nacional de Arte Romano (National Museums of Roman Art), opened in 1986, houses a beautiful display of statuary and other antiquities used by the Romans. It is located in front of the entrance to the theatre and amphitheatre.
Merida, Extremadura - Our holiday accommodation and service:
Travel with secretdestinations.com holidays and enjoy delightful, privileged holiday destinations in Extremadura (including Caceres, Merida, Trujillo and Zafra) at the historic heart of Central Spain. From privately owned houses, charming cottages, villas and apartments to villas with pools, luxury spa hotels and a full range of fabulous Paradores; all hand picked in beautiful locations for an authentic taste of unspoiled secret Extremadura and Central Spain.
So, if you're looking for an activity or nature holiday, walking, cycling, trekking or bird watching; a spot of rural tourism soaking up the traditional Spanish culture and heritage with historic sightseeing in Castille or Extremadura; exploring fairytale castles, beautiful countryside and fascinating villages, rural towns and historic cities such as Plasencia and Merida; following the historic pilgrims routes or silver route; sampling hearty rural Spanish fayre or simply enjoying a shopping trip or city break in Madrid, Spain's capital city; call our holiday team today.
Many of our clients enjoy touring holidays through central Spain, to experience the unique areas of Castilla la Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Extremadura and Madrid in one holiday. We are therefore very happy to arrange itineraries for you staying in a selection of different Parador hotels along your chosen route. We can also assist you with flights to Madrid and other areas of central Spain, ferry travel, holiday car hire and travel insurance.
