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ROMAN MERIDA
A Lesser-Known Ancient City of the Lost Empire
A City of Ancient Treasures
When history buffs wish to retrace the steps of the ancient Romans and marvel at the splendours of that lost empire, usually they head to Rome or other Italian cities. Outside of Spain, few would think of saying, “Hey, let’s go to Merida!” which is why this little-known gem deserves its place on these pages. For anyone happening upon this city with no idea of its history, they would be surprised, to say the least, to find themselves in front of a beautifully preserved temple of Diana or a majestic theatre complete with marble pillars and statues of gods and goddesses. If they kept walking, they’d also come across a 1st century amphitheatre, circus, aqueduct, and forum. And if that wasn’t enough, the National Museum of Roman Art continues the exploration through corridors and rooms of mosaics, busts, sculptures and reliefs, murals, scale models of the city, roman roads, art and artefacts, jewellery, coins, excavations, and so much more.
