Emerita Augusta
Mérida (Emerita Augusta) was the capital of Roman Lusitania and one of the empire's most important cities.
Chapter 1 of Roman Wine Odyssey · Spain
The stops
- Tour · Price: moderate Mérida Roman Theatre & Temple of Diana Walk through Emerita Augusta, capital of Lusitania and one of Spain's most impressive Roman cities. The theatre seats 6,000 and still hosts performances. The Temple of Diana stands remarkably intact in the city center.
- Adventure · Price: low Mérida Roman Bridge & Aqueduct Walk across the longest surviving Roman bridge in the world (792 meters, 60 arches) spanning the Guadiana River. Then visit the Los Milagros aqueduct with its distinctive red brick and granite arches. Both are engineering marvels from 1st century BC.
- Tour · Price: moderate Mérida National Museum of Roman Art World-class museum designed by Rafael Moneo houses one of Spain's finest Roman collections. See wine-themed mosaics, amphorae stamped with estate names, and artifacts from daily Roman life. The building itself is a masterpiece of modern architecture echoing Roman forms.
The story
This compact side quest explores stunning Roman ruins — theatre, amphitheatre, aqueduct, temple — while bringing wine from nearby Ribera del Guadiana to drink at these ancient sites.
Plan the trip
Insider tip Bring a bottle of Ribera del Guadiana wine and drink it at the Roman Theatre at sunset — the acoustics are still perfect after 2,000 years.
Getting there and around
- Car required
- No
- Parking
- City center parking available
- Nearest airport
- Madrid (MAD) - 3.5 hr drive, or Seville (SVQ) - 2 hr
- Drinking and driving
- Walking tour — no driving needed
- Without a car
- Train from Madrid or Seville
Where to stay
- Base yourself in
- Mérida
- Nightly range
- €50-120/night
What it costs
- Includes
- 1-2 nights, site entries, wine
- Per person
- €100-200