Mérida archaeological tour — Roman Theatre, Amphitheatre, Alcazaba & Aqueduct

• A private guided tour

• Fees for entrance • Tips and drinks

• Service animals are permitted. • Nearby public transportation is accessible. • Not advised for individuals with cardiovascular health issues. • Appropriate for all levels of physical fitness.

All purchases are final. Cancellations do not qualify for a refund.

• Begin with a visit to the iconic Roman Theatre and the Roman Amphitheater, both remnants from when Mérida was the grand capital of Roman Lusitania. Start by walking past the Roman Theatre, where prior to the full excavations in 1910, only the upper grandstand was visible, known to locals as "The Seven Chairs," believed to have been occupied by several Moorish kings. The semicircular walls remain intact, and the stage's back wall has been beautifully restored. • A short walk away leads to the neighboring Amphitheatre. This notable structure stands as a striking example of the ancient Roman colony, featuring well-preserved tiered seating and a grand arena. • The next stop is the Roman Temple of Diana. A noteworthy aspect of the temple is that it served as the foundation for a 16th-century Renaissance palace, with ruins still visible at the site, contributing to its exceptional preservation. • Continue to the Alcazaba, an unusual Arab monument within the ancient Roman city. This well-maintained 7th-century fortress is surrounded by an expansive water moat and palm trees, serving as a reminder of the city’s Moorish heritage. • Walk along the Roman Bridge spanning the Guadiana River. This ancient bridge, one of the largest in Spain, has sixty arches and is still accessible to pedestrians. It offers views of the scenic Guadiana River landscape and the nearby contemporary Lusitania Bridge. • Proceed through the Trajan Arch, an old gateway that was part of one of the main roads in ancient times. While it may not be particularly significant today, this arch once served as the primary entrance between the civic and provincial areas of the city during Roman rule. • Next, visit the Basilica of Santa Eulalia, dedicated to the martyr Saint Eulalia, the city's patron saint. The current Romanesque church dates back to the 13th century and was built on the ruins of a basilica destroyed by the Moors. In 1990, a remarkable cemetery containing important Roman and Visigoth remains was discovered beneath the church. • The tour concludes at the Los Milagros Aqueduct, an engineering marvel that once supplied water to Mérida. More than eight hundred meters of the twenty-seven-meter-high structure remains intact, providing an impressive sight. Nearby, you can also view an attractive Roman bridge crossing the Albarregas River.