Free walking tours in Mérida and what to see

Must-sees

Mérida was Emerita Augusta, capital of Roman Lusitania, and today it has one of the most complete archaeological ensembles in Spain. The Roman theatre, with its columned stage, and the adjoining amphitheatre are the first stop. Opposite is the National Museum of Roman Art, a Rafael Moneo building with mosaics and sculptures.

Around the city you will find the Temple of Diana, surrounded by houses, the forum portico and the Arch of Trajan. The Roman bridge crosses the Guadiana beside the Arab Alcazaba, built with Roman stones and with a cistern reached by a staircase. Outside the centre are the Los Milagros aqueduct, the circus and the House of the Mithraeum. The Basilica of Santa Eulalia and its crypt round off the visit.

Free tours and guided visits

Mérida has a good choice of tip-based free tours. The usual route covers the historic centre: the Temple of Diana, the forum, the Arch of Trajan, the bridge and the Alcazaba from outside, with explanations of life in the Roman city. There are also night walks focusing on legends and on the Visigothic and Moorish history.

It is worth paying for a guided visit to the theatre and amphitheatre, as the guide puts the ruins in context. Combined tickets cover several monuments. Outside the city, trips to the Roman reservoir of Proserpina or Cornalvo Natural Park make a good excursion. In summer, the Classical Theatre Festival lets you see performances in the Roman theatre itself.

How long to spend

Two days is sensible. Devote the first to the theatre, the amphitheatre and the National Museum of Roman Art, leaving the afternoon for the Temple of Diana and the forum. On the second, see the bridge, the Alcazaba, Santa Eulalia and the monuments on the outskirts, such as the Los Milagros aqueduct and the circus. With a third day you can go to Proserpina or catch a festival performance in summer.

Where to stay

The historic centre is the best base. From Plaza de España and the nearby streets you can walk to the theatre, the Temple of Diana and the Alcazaba, and there are plenty of bars to eat at. If you are driving, hotels near the river or in the newer area across the Guadiana offer easy parking and are a walk from the centre.