Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida

The Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida preserves the remains of the Roman city of Emerita Augusta in Extremadura, Spain, founded in 25 BCE. It is notable for its extensive and well-preserved public buildings from the Roman period.

Established under Augustus as a colony for retired legionaries, Emerita Augusta served as the administrative and economic capital of Roman Lusitania and remained occupied through Late Antiquity and into the medieval period. Excavations from the 19th century onward have exposed the major public buildings and domestic areas that survive today.

The archaeological remains lie in and around the city of Mérida in Extremadura, on the floodplain of the Guadiana River; Mérida is the provincial capital and the main access point for the ensemble.

• Foundation date: Founded as Emerita Augusta in 25 BCE as a colony for veteran soldiers of Augustus, it became the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania.
• World Heritage status: The site is a UNESCO World Heritage property covering a broad set of Roman monuments integrated into the modern city of Mérida.

What to See #

• Roman Theatre: The Roman Theatre, dating to the late 1st century BCE, forms one of the ensemble's best-preserved monuments and is used today for performances during the summer festival season.
• Amphitheatre and Circus: The Amphitheatre and Circus are large public entertainment buildings from the Roman city, situated near the forum and theatre and forming part of the urban core of Emerita Augusta.
• National Museum of Roman Art: The Museo Nacional de Arte Romano was designed by architect Rafael Moneo and houses the ensemble's principal archaeological collections, including mosaics, sculpture and inscriptions.