We read about the Roman ruins of Merida and determined a few weeks ago that we would be so close, we should see them. We left Vila Viçosa after breakfast this morning, and within 1.5 hours, we were parked next to an ancient aqueduct in Merida. We walked 9.5 miles today - so much to see!
“The Archaeological Ensemble of Merida has its origins in the year 25 BC, when Augustus completed the conquest of the North of Hispania and founded the Colony of Augusta Emerita. The city was created as an idealized model of Rome and was the capital of Lusitania, the western most province of the Roman Empire. The modern city of Merida has been built on top of Emerita, yet archaeological remains are well preserved. There are 22 component parts of the Archaeological Ensemble recognized by UNESCO in 1993, including buildings for entertainment (hippodrome, theater and amphitheater), public architecture of the Forum, engineering works (bridges - including one 2500’ long, aqueducts, clean and waste water systems), religious buildings, and private architecture (such as Casa del Mitreo representing daily life with its mosaic floors and bathrooms).” We were impressed by all of it, and 2000 years old! Highlights were the beautiful theater, the Temple of Diana, and walking across the long Roman bridge at dusk with the lights coming on just as I was taking a photo.
“The Archaeological Ensemble of Merida has its origins in the year 25 BC, when Augustus completed the conquest of the North of Hispania and founded the Colony of Augusta Emerita. The city was created as an idealized model of Rome and was the capital of Lusitania, the western most province of the Roman Empire. The modern city of Merida has been built on top of Emerita, yet archaeological remains are well preserved. There are 22 component parts of the Archaeological Ensemble recognized by UNESCO in 1993, including buildings for entertainment (hippodrome, theater and amphitheater), public architecture of the Forum, engineering works (bridges - including one 2500’ long, aqueducts, clean and waste water systems), religious buildings, and private architecture (such as Casa del Mitreo representing daily life with its mosaic floors and bathrooms).” We were impressed by all of it, and 2000 years old! Highlights were the beautiful theater, the Temple of Diana, and walking across the long Roman bridge at dusk with the lights coming on just as I was taking a photo.
