Mérida

Roman ruins, sunlit plazas and narrow cobblestone streets, that’s Mérida in a nutshell. Once the capital of Roman Lusitania, Mérida holds some of the best-preserved ancient remains in the Iberian Peninsula. Wandering its streets feels like stepping through layers of history, where amphitheatres, bridges and temples blend seamlessly with modern life. It’s the kind of place where you can sip coffee by a 2,000-year-old monument and still feel the pulse of a living city.

1. Step into the Roman Theatre
This grand amphitheatre is Mérida’s crown jewel and still hosts performances during summer. Sit on the ancient stone seats and imagine the crowds that once filled the space. The setting is so well preserved it feels like history unfolding in real time. After your visit, take a stroll through the nearby gardens where Roman columns and statues peek out between the trees.

2. Cross the Puente Romano
Stretching over the Guadiana River, this bridge dates back to the first century and remains one of the longest surviving Roman bridges in the world. It’s perfect for an evening walk, with soft light reflecting off the water and views of the old city skyline. You’ll often spot locals jogging or cycling across it, a reminder that ancient engineering still shapes daily life here.

3. Visit the National Museum of Roman Art
Designed by architect Rafael Moneo, this museum is as impressive as the treasures inside. Marble statues, mosaics and artefacts from the city’s Roman past are beautifully displayed beneath soaring brick arches. Don’t miss the lower galleries, where excavated remains from the old Roman city sit just beneath your feet.