Mérida Spain Postcard

Mérida, the capital of the Extremadura region in western Spain, is one of the most important and well-preserved Roman cities in the world outside of Italy. Originally named Augusta Emerita, it was founded as a colony for Roman soldiers and grew to become a major provincial capital. Today, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, packed with impressive ancient monuments that offer a fascinating glimpse into Roman life in Iberia. Among its most significant landmarks are the remarkably intact Roman Theatre, which is still used for performances during an annual summer festival, and the adjacent Amphitheatre. Other must-see sites include the massive Puente Romano, one of the longest Roman bridges still in existence, the Temple of Diana, and the Arch of Trajan. Walking through Mérida is like stepping back in time, surrounded by centuries of remarkable history and architecture.