Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida
Posted by: 
manchanegra
N 38° 54.887 W 006° 20.875
29S E 729941 N 4310664
Mérida was founded in the year 25 BC, with the name of Emerita Augusta and preserves more important ancient Roman monuments than any other city in Spain.
Waymark Code: WMWDY
Location: Spain
Date Posted: 10/25/2006
Views: 33
Mérida was founded in the year 25 BC, with the name of Emerita Augusta (the name Mérida is an evolution of this) by order of Emperor Augustus, to protect a pass and a bridge over the Guadiana river. Two veteran legions were the former settlers: V Alaudae and X Gémina.
The city became the capital of Lusitania province (now Portugal), and one of the most important cities in the Roman empire. Mérida preserves more important ancient Roman monuments than any other city in Spain (including a triumphal arch of the age of Trajan); because of this, the "Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida" is a World Heritage site.
Sights
Among the remaining Roman monuments are the Puente Romano, a bridge over the Guadiana river that is still used by pedestrians; an important fortification to defend the bridge, lately used by the Moors, called Alcazaba; the Temple of Diana; the remains of the Forum, including the Arch of Trajan; the remains of the Circus Maximus; the Acueducto de los Milagros (aqueduct); a villa called the Mitreo; the Embalse de Proserpina and Cornalvo reservoirs; the Circus, the Amphitheatre and the Roman Theatre where a summer festival of Classical theatre is presented, usually with versions of Greco-Roman classics or modern plays located in ancient times. One can also visit the Morerías archaeological site and many others all around the city, and watch digging in progress, as well as the Museo Nacional de Arte Romano.
The given coordinates will take you to the begining of the Roman Bridge in the photo near the roundabouta on the intersection of the Paseo de Roma with the Calle de la Cava and Calle del Puente. You may start your exploring here.
If you want to check the tourist office just follow the Calle del Puente in the direction of the Plaza de España and then follow the Calle de Santa Eulália. The Tourist office is in number 64.
Type: Site
Reference number: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/664
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