If you are into Roman remains then this is the place. We have visited many sites in Europe and this is the best by far. I would say some aspects rival Rome and you can do it without the hordes of crowds and the burden of a big city. You should have no problem finding street parking near the river for about 3 e for 4 or so hours. Almost everything you want to see is easy walking from that location. All except the aqueduct which is somewhat separate but still inside the town. A lot of the sites are free but if you are going to see more than one of the sites that charge then buy the combo ticket. I would try to eat lunch away from the entrance to the Theatre complex. There are about 10 or so choices there but I would rate them as "tourist traps". Try to eat closer to the bridge.See more..
4.5Anfiteatro Romano de Merida(1.746 reviews) - A Gold Mine in archeology! Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks
This set of Ancient Roman remains is awe-inspiring! With so much of it intact, it’s difficult to believe it wasn’t uncovered until 1910. It was a magnificent job of, not only, finding this site, but also cleaning it up to the current status. While viewing the stage, I could almost try to envision one of Seneca’s tragedies or comedies being acted out. Not being an expert in acting, I think some of today’s techniques, like “an aside” actually come these Ancient Greek and Ancient Roman plays. It was a job well done and very much worth a visit by anyone!See more..
4.5Templo de Diana(1.676 reviews) - Temple dedicated to the memory of Augustus Spent < 1 hour Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks
I have a suggestion. If this historic monument is not really a temple to Diana, but rather a temple to Augustus, then let’s call it so? I don’t know exactly how it was done , but I’m always impressed by the details in the decorations/carvings at the top of the columns and the architrave. Based upon readings, I keep wanting to conclude Augustus was much loved by all the Romans. In this case, it was the retired military personnel building this temple in his memory or honor.See more..
4.0Roman Circus of Mérida(666 reviews) - Very well recovered Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks
It just occurred to me, after visiting 2 ancient Roman Circuses, that our present day horse tracks were probably closely modeled after the Roman Circus. The distance around the circuses averaged about 1 mile and the Kentucky Derby is about 1 1/2 miles. This particular circus shows the extensive planning, in first digging a huge trench across the breadth to create a drainage system. Also, this particular circus recovered the ancient starting gate pylons. Supposedly, this one had 12 starting gates each measuring about 10 feet across. I think the starting gates for the Kentucky Derby are much more narrow than this, probably half the width. It’s a nice job of archaeological recovery!See more..
4.0Casa del Mitreo(554 reviews) - A highlight of Merida Ancient Ruins
For us, viewing this large Roman villa from 25 AD was one of the best things we did in Merida. It isn't near most of the other attractions, but it is easily walkable from the center of town. It is very well signed in English. You view frescoes and wonderfully preserved mosaics, reception rooms, garden and patio areas, winter and summer (subterranean) bedrooms, and private cold, warm, and hot baths. This is well-worth going out of the way for, as it gives you an idea of life for the wealthy at that time. I'd recommend going to the adjacent Columbarios, an ancient graveyard. It was interesting how similar their death/burial beliefs were to ours and other cultures.See more..
4.0Arco de Trajano(285 reviews) - Go out of your way to try then! Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
We chose 4 tapas dishes. More than enough, really high quality and great service. Young energetic staff who were attentive but not smothering, courteous and smiley. And the service was speedy. Highly recommend a lunchtime (well, 2.00pm) visit.See more..
4.0Ciudad romana de Cáparra(129 reviews) - Roman history comes to life Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins
The main attraction is the tower in the middle of the city. The excavations are still being done and, with a little imagination, you can almost get a feel for what life was like in this place 2000 years ago. It is free to visit and there are not many tourists, even in summer. Definitely worth a couple of hours of your time.See more..
