Things to Do in Mérida, Spain: Roman Ruins, Tips & How to Visit (2026)

Updated Nov 2025 — clarified route context & internal stage links

Planning things to do in Mérida, Spain? If you’re searching for things to do in Mérida Spain, this compact guide shows you exactly where to start among the city’s standout Roman ruins—the UNESCO-listed Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre, the Temple of Diana, the Arch of Trajan, the Roman bridge over the Guadiana—plus the Alcazaba and the National Museum of Roman Art. You’ll also catch today’s city life around Plaza de España and, if you time it right, the Emerita Lvdica festival when locals dress as Romans. If your dates align with Emerita Lvdica—Mérida’s Roman re-enactment week (last held 19–25 May 2025; next edition expected in late May 2026, dates TBA)—you’ll see the city turn fully “Roman.” Check the official page before you go. 

This guide is also a part of my long overland project Crossing Eurasia—a west-to-east route I’m traveling in segments. See the full plan here.

Part of the Long-Distance Routes project.
This guide is also a stage on the Crossing Eurasia overland route.
→ See the full route hub
→ Start the route from Cabo da Roca

About Mérida

Many cities have their unique features that make them different from any other city. When I visited Mérida, I was looking for its own unique features and easily found them- the streets of the town were full of… Romans. Yes, just like about 2000 years ago! To understand how and why, let’s dive into Mérida’s geography, history, and culture.

Some geography

First, let’s find Mérida on the map. Open the map of the Iberian Peninsula and zoom in on the peninsula’s southwestern part, not far from the border between Spain and Portugal. Here you can see one of the large Iberian rivers called the Guadiana. It flows from east to west and southwest, in a subtropical hilly area.

Here is the western Spanish region (autonomous community) of Extremadura- a landlocked area, bordering Portugal from the west. And Merida is its capital, established at the banks of the Guadiana.

Some history

Mérida has a rich history, consisting of many eras (almost the same eras that the whole of Spain and the Iberian Peninsula have passed through), but one of these eras has left its special mark on the town- the era of the Romans. But before we focus on it, let’s take a general overview of the town’s history.

Prehistoric era (until 25 BC)

The area where Mérida is today has been populated for millennia. Iberian (non-Celtic) people, Celts, Phoenicians, and later Carthaginians have lived around the banks of the Guadiana River, mostly in local villages and ancient forts. However, the place of Mérida was still “empty”, probably with only one or two ancient villages.

Roman era- the Golden age (25 BC to 406 AD)

Then came 25 BC. The first Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus, ordered the building of a new military city at the banks of the Guadiana River. A new bridge was constructed, and the military garrison was placed in the new city. The city was called Augusta Emerita.

Soon, this city grew in size and significance. It became the capital of Lusitania province, and many Roman constructions were built in it that can be seen today- the Theater, Amphitheater, Stadium, Temple of Diana, and many more. It was Mérida’s golden age that left its mark for the future image of the city until today.

Germanic era (406 to 713)

With the decline of the Roman Empire, various Germanic peoples invaded the Iberian Peninsula. The first of them was the Alans, who established their short-lived kingdom in 406 and Mérida became its capital. Only 12 years later, in 418, Mérida became a part of the Vandal Kingdom, until 469, when it was conquered by the Visigoths. During the Visigothic period, Mérida was still an important city. Today, the traces of this period can be seen in the Visigothic Museum.

Muslim era (713 to 1230)

In 713, Mérida was conquered by the Arabs of the Umayyad Caliphate. The Arabs further contributed to the development of the city. At the same time, Mérida was known for many rebellions against the local rule. For this reason, the Arabs (followed by the Moors and their dynasties) built the Alcazaba Fort- one of the main landmarks of the city today.

Mérida became a part of the Taifa of Badajoz, and then was conquered by the Almohads. The last years of the Muslim era were years of decline, until the Spanish Christian forces under Alfonso IX conquered the city in 1230. From this moment, Mérida became firmly a part of Spain.

Spanish medieval era (1230 to 1492)

During this era, Mérida was the seat of the Order of Santiago. It was partially recovered, but not to the level of the Roman Golden Age. The city lost its important status and became just a secondary provincial town.

Renaissance and early modern era (1492 to 1720)

In general, this period is an era of prosperity for Spain, at least for the first century. However, although Mérida enjoys this environment, it remains a second-level provincial town with an insignificant role. On top of that, it suffered the Peninsular Wars at the end of this period.

Contemporary era (1720 until today)

At least, in 1720, Mérida became the capital of the Intendencia of Mérida, which shifted its status a bit. The old archaeological remains from Roman times were seriously damaged during the Napoleonic Wars. Only later, when the town entered the industrial era and became a railway hub, did it start to recover slowly.

But its real prosperity came only recently, when Mérida became the capital of the Extremadura community. Along with that, a serious restoration process started, which quickly attracted the tourists. In 1993, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thus, Mérida gradually entered its second Golden Age.

Some culture

So, this is what Mérida looks like today: a nice, quiet town, full of tourists (although far from the most famous and popular tourist destinations like Venice, Barcelona, or Lisbon), with beautiful, tranquil streets and a lot of Roman ruins here and there, surrounded by a new part.

As a result of its specific history, Mérida developed its own unique culture. The citizens are well-aware of their strongest era- the Golden Roman era, and they are proud of it. Since 1910, they embraced the idea: “living among ruins, not beside them”.

So, they decided to make their beloved town more “Roman” in two ways. First, along with the archaeological restoration of all Roman ruins that can be found (and not only Roman, but also ruins from later eras), they branded the image of Mérida in any other possible ways- by “Roman style” elements in the architecture, in the urban design, even in the various local businesses- with regular usage of Roman (Latin) names.

Emerita Lvdica and the International Classical Theatric Festival

Apart from that, they started organizing various activities in Roman themes. The most significant of them is the festival Emerita Lvdica, which is held at the end of May or the beginning of June. It is а one-week celebration when the whole town travels 2000 years back in time. Many local citizens wear Roman clothes, and the streets are full of “Romans”. Various activities are organized: “Gladiator fights”, “Roman legions” parade on the Roman Bridge, Roman “markets”, Roman winery degustation, and many more.

Another significant “Roman” event is the International Classical Theatric Festival held in the summer, in the Roman Theater and Amphitheater. During this festival, you can enjoy a real, classical Roman art performances like Roman tragedies, comedies, and other feasts of art.

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My journey to Mérida

It was at the end of spring and the beginning of summer. I (Krasen Jelyazkov) have planned my long “Crossing Eurasia” journey, from Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe and Eurasia, to the Pacific Ocean. When I designed my route in its Iberian Peninsula section (the first section of the route), I noticed Mérida and what it presents, so I decided to include it in my route itinerary.

I did it by rental car. I rented a car from Madrid, quickly moved to Cabo da Roca, and “officially” started my journey from there. After crossing Portugal, I entered Spain, and Mérida was the second Spanish destination (after Badajoz) on the route.

Honestly, in the beginning, I didn’t know too much about Mérida. But when I arrived in the town, I saw the “Romans” in a building near the parking lot where I left my car. First, I thought that there is a special activity, only in this building. But later, I discovered that “Romans” are everywhere- on the streets, in the points of interest, in the restaurants and cafes, and in the parks.

I knew that Mérida is full of Roman ruins. But now the “Roman vibe” was not only in the ruins, it was in the whole town. Soon I figured out why- the time of my coming (the end of May) was the time of Emerita Lvdica. It was good luck!

I stayed in “Roman” Mérida for a few hours and visited most of the city’s points of interest before proceeding further on my route. Below is what I saw, and what more you can see, if you have more time.

Take a look at the video about Mérida below: 

Things to do in Mérida

So, be ready to immerse yourself in the history! Your focus is the historic center of Mérida- the northeastern bank of the Guadiana River. Here are the things to do when you visit this amazing city.

Around the streets of the historic center

Mérida doesn’t have a clear “Old Town” but just a historic center, full of ruins, mostly from Roman times, scattered here and there. But walking on the center’s streets “between” these ruins also has its charm. It is a quiet place, as many streets are actually pedestrian.

The core of the center is the Central square called Plaza de España (Spain Square), surrounded by picturesque buildings, mostly from the beginning of the 20th century, with cafes, a fountain, and a nice atmosphere. The most notable building here is the Co-Cathedral de Santa María la Mayor, reminding us of the more recent history of the town.

Plaza de España is also a starting point for walking in various directions around the center to various ancient ruins. A nice pedestrian street called Calle Santa Eulalia (which is also the main shopping area in the center) starts from here, and leads to the eastern part of the historical center, where you can see the largest and most notable landmark of Mérida- the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre.

Temple of Diana

Now, let’s walk around the middle of Mérida’s historical center. One of the major Roman ruins here is the Temple of Diana.

This is a 1st-century Roman temple at the heart of Augusta Emerita’s municipal forum. Actually, it was misnamed in early modern times: it was dedicated to the imperial cult, not to Diana. Nevertheless, its name remained as it is today. The granite peripteral temple stands on a high podium with surviving columns; the later Palacio de los Corbos is grafted into the rear. There’s also an Interpretation Center inside the precinct.

Entrance fee
€3 (adult) — Interpretation Center (Centro de Interpretación Templo de Diana). The exterior can be viewed freely from the public square; the €3 ticket covers access inside the precinct. (For passes/discounts, see the Tickets box.)

More ticket options (official) →

Working hours
Daily 10:00–21:00 (last entry 20:30) for the Interpretation Center; exterior viewing is open-air.

Arch of Trajan (Arco de Trajano)

Let’s go to the middle of the historical center again. Don’t skip another major point of interest- the Arch of Trajan.
It is a monumental gateway on Mérida’s cardo maximus, not a triumphal arch and not actually dedicated to Trajan. It likely marked the entrance to a sacred precinct (temenos) of the Imperial Cult whose temple stood nearby (Calle Holguín). Built in granite (originally sheathed in marble), the arch rises ≈15 m; the span is close to 9 m. You can still appreciate how it frames the Roman street line through the old town.

Free to visit, open 24/7.

Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre

This is one large site- point of interest, consisting of two major constructions- the Theatre and the Amphitheatre, established side by side, today surrounded by a tranquil garden and a square beside them. When you enter this site, you travel back in time to the 1st century BC.

The Roman Theatre was built in 16-15 BC, only about ten years after establishing of the city of Augusta Emerita, with a capacity of 6000 people. Its main purpose was to serve for the art- here the local people watched various types of ancient drama. Today, the Theatre is used for the International Classical Theatric Festival as mentioned above.

The Amphitheatre was built in 8 BC, right beside the Theatre, with a different purpose- to serve as an arena for gladiator fights and various sport events. Unlike the Theatre whose shape is half-circle, the Amphitheatre is elliptical, for 15,000 people.

Entrance fee

€13 (adult). Covers both the Roman Theatre and the Roman Amphitheatre only. Tickets can be bought at the monument ticket offices or online.

More ticket options (official) →

Working hours:
•Summer (Apr 1 – Sep 30): daily 09:00–21:00 (last entry/ticket office 20:30). 
•Winter (Oct 1 – Mar 31): daily 09:00–18:30 (last entry/ticket office 18:00).

Casa Romana del Anfiteatro with Mausoleo del Dintel de los Rios

When you go out of the Theatre and Amphitheatre, don’t leave this area; there are more points of interest to see.
Right here is the next site, mostly for those who want to penetrate deeper into the reality of the Roman era. This is Casa Romana del Anfiteatro (The House of the Amphitheatre). It is a domestic Roman house complex with a garden, a well, and a fountain, probably belonging to a Roman noble, built somewhere between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD.

It presents a triclinium mosaic showing the grape harvest with Venus and a cupid, plus remains of private baths; the area was reused as a necropolis in the 4th c. Recent excavations here also uncovered a massive public bath complex in excellent condition, which some researchers interpret as evidence that the site may have functioned as upscale lodging near the show venues.

Next to the house are the remains of a 2nd-century mausoleum (later altered) linked to C. Iulius Successianus. Its doorway lintel showed two male river deities representing Mérida’s rivers (Guadiana/Anas and Albarregas/Barraeca). The original lintel is exhibited at the National Museum of Roman Art (MNAR); the on-site structure has a protective cover and updated visitor info panels.

The Mausoleum is located inside the tourist site of Casa Romana del Anfiteatro, so when you enter inside, you don’t need another, separate ticket for the Mausoleum.

Entrance fee:

€6 (adult). Covers the Casa del Anfiteatro precinct (which includes the on-site mausoleum). This is a separate ticket from the Theatre & Amphitheatre one.

More ticket options (official) →

Working hours:
Summer (Apr 1 – Sep 30):09:00–21:00 (last entry 20:30).
Winter (Oct 1 – Mar 31):09:00–18:30 (last entry 18:00).

National Museum of Roman Art

Still stay in the same area! Again, right next to the two sites described above, on the other side of the square between them, is the National Museum of Roman Art. Plan one more hour to dive into the silence of the ancient past and the Roman art, presenting the culture of the ancient people.

This is Spain’s state museum for Augusta Emerita: a world-class collection of mosaics, sculpture, and epigraphy housed in Rafael Moneo’s celebrated 1986 brick-arcaded building opposite the Theatre–Amphitheatre complex.

Entrance fee
Currently free (2025, while expansion works continue). Under normal policy, general admission is €3. (MNAR is not part of the Consorcio passes.) For combo/discount options covering the monuments, see the Tickets box. 

Working hours
Oct 1 – Mar 31 (winter): Tue–Sat 09:30–18:30; Sun/hols 10:00–15:00; closed Mon.
Apr 1 – Sep 30 (summer): Tue–Sat 09:30–20:00; Sun/hols 10:00–15:00; closed Mon.

Roman Bridge (Puente romano sobre el Guadiana)

Next, go to the western edge of the historical center. Here is the northeastern bank of the Guadiana River. The river was wide in ancient times, and the Romans built a spectacular bridge over it, connecting the city to the other bank and the lands beyond it.

The bridge is 792 m long. It was rebuilt many times across two millennia, and today it has been pedestrian-only since 1993. Now it is one of the main landmarks of Mérida, providing amazing views of the river and the Alcazaba fortress beside it.

Free to visit, open 24/7.

Alcazaba (Arab Citadel)

From here, we go back to the northeastern bank of the Guadiana River, right next to the Roman Bridge, and let’s move forward in the timeline of Mérida. Here we enter a spectacular fortress and go to the Muslim (Arab) era.

The Alcazaba is a ninth-century Umayyad fortress (AD 835) commanding the Roman bridge crossing: a square walled precinct built with abundant Roman/Visigothic spolia and flanked by towers. The standout feature is the aljibe (cistern) — a deep, vaulted water system that taps the Guadiana via a stone gallery, with stairways descending to the water level. Within the enclosure, you also see stratified remains of earlier Roman streets and walls. Part of Mérida’s UNESCO ensemble.

Entrance fee
€6 (adult) — standard individual ticket (the Alcazaba is also included in the full Conjunto pass; not included in the “Theatre & Amphitheatre only” ticket). For discounts, combo passes, etc., see the Tickets box. 

More ticket options (official) →

Working hours
Apr 1 – Sep 30:09:00–21:00 (last entry/ticket office 20:30). 
Oct 1 – Mar 31:09:00–18:30 (last entry 18:00). Schedule managed by the Consorcio for the whole Conjunto. 

Roman Circus (Circo Romano)

Now, let’s leave the center and go to the eastern, new suburbs of Mérida. Now, here is a residential area, but in Roman times, it was an agricultural field in a hilly environment, out of the city. Here, the Romans found a good place for establishing one of the Empire’s best-preserved circuses and the largest public-spectacle building in Augusta Emerita. Built in the early 1st century AD outside the walls, the Roman Circus preserves the full plan: cavea for c. 30,000 spectators and the central spina running the length of the arena (c. 30,000 m²). 

Honestly, you can easily see the whole Circus from outside, behind the fence. But if you want to get a better impression, a better feeling of the ancient atmosphere, with a better image of the ancient sports contests that the Romans held here, enter inside. In other words: Outside views give you the size; entry gives you the system—that’s what matters to serious travelers.

Entrance fee
€6 (adult) — individual ticket for this monument. Also included in the full Conjunto pass; not included in the “Theatre & Amphitheatre only” ticket. (For discounts, combo passes, etc., see the Tickets box.)

More ticket options (official) →

Working hours
Apr 1 – Sep 30: daily 09:00–21:00 (last entry 20:30). 
Oct 1 – Mar 31: daily 09:00–18:30 (last entry 18:00).

Acueducto de los Milagros

Next, we go to the north edge of the historical center. Here is the Arroyo de Albarregas River, a small tributary to the Guadiana River. And here you can see one of the most impressive Roman aqueducts in Europe. This is the Acueducto de los Milagros (the Aqueduct of the Miracles).

Why “Los Milagros”? Locals nicknamed it “the Miraculous One” for the way its towering brick-and-granite arcades have survived through the centuries.

This is a 1st-century AD aqueduct that brought water from the Proserpina Dam into Augusta Emerita. Built in opus mixtum (granite ashlar + brick), the surviving stretch runs for 800+ m with pillars up to ~25–27 m high, set by the Albarregas river (near the small Roman bridge). Part of Mérida’s UNESCO archaeological ensemble.

Free to visit, open 24/7.

Los Columbarios and Casa del Mitreo

Now, we move to the southwestern edge of the historical center. Here is another major Roman site, combining two points of interest into one: Casa del Mitreo and Los Columbarios.

Casa del Mitreo is a large Roman domus (late 1st–2nd c. AD), laid out around three peristyle courtyards with high-quality wall painting and mosaics. The showpiece is the Cosmological (Cosmic) Mosaic, a program of Heaven–Earth–Sea with personifications around Aeternitas (Eternity).

The name “Casa del Mitreo” comes from its proximity to the Mithraic sanctuary on Cerro de San Albín; there is no mithraeum inside the house. The visit is managed together with the Los Columbarios funerary area as one archaeological precinct, belonging to elite families (the Voconii and the Julii), plus explanatory panels in an on-site interpretation center of Roman funerary practice.

Entrance fee
€6 (adult) — Casa del Mitreo–Columbarios individual ticket. Also included in the full Conjunto pass; not included in the “Theatre & Amphitheatre only” ticket. For discounts/combo options, see the Tickets box. 

More ticket options (official) →

Working hours
Follows the standard Conjunto schedule:
Apr 1 – Sep 30:09:00–21:00 (last entry 20:30). Oct 1 – Mar 31:09:00–18:30 (last entry 18:00). 

More ruins and sites:

Besides the major sites described above, if you want to enrich your Mérida experience further, don’t skip some additional, minor points of interest:

• Pórtico del Foro Municipal de Augusta Emérita — corner of the municipal forum’s monumental portico (mid-1st c. AD) with niches for imperial/mythological statuary. 
• Forum Public Baths (Termas públicas del foro, Tr.ª Parejos) — street-side remains of the forum bathhouse (rooms + latrines) on the Forum’s eastern platform; free to view.
• Temple of Emperor’s Cult — street-level remains on Calle Holguín marking the sanctuary of the imperial cult.
• Visigothic Museum (Visigoth Collection, Santa Clara) — Visigothic sculpture artifacts in the former Santa Clara church, just off Plaza de España. 
• Open Mérida Museum (MAM) — the city’s reworked visitor/info hub with an interactive overview of Emerita Augusta (Ayuntamiento project). 
• Xenodoquio — late-6th-century Visigothic xenodochium (pilgrims’ hospital) near Basilica of Santa Eulalia. 
• Rollo de Mérida — jurisdictional pillar of municipal autonomy, set by the Roman Bridge exit. 
• Conventual Santiaguista — 16th-c. The Order of Santiago complex, attached to the Alcazaba, today houses the regional Presidency.
• Acueducto de San Lázaro — stretches of the Rabo de Buey–San Lázaro water line crossing the Albarregas; a few piers survive. 
• San Lázaro Roman Baths (Termas de San Lázaro) — open-air bath remains by the aqueduct (hypocaust + hot/cold rooms); quick contextual stop. 
• Acueducto de Rabo de Buey — feeder channel from N/NE springs; to span the Albarregas, a tall arcade was built, of which three pillars remain. 
• Albarregas Roman Bridge (Puente romano sobre el Albarregas) — 1st-c. BC granite bridge on the Vía de la Plata (~145 m, 4 arches), parallel to Los Milagros; open-air, free. 
• Puente romano de la Alcantarilla — tiny single-arch Augustan bridge ~2 km east of the center, near the railway; free, outside any precinct. 

Useful tips

As you can see, Mérida is a small city but has so much to reveal! But, to organize your Mérida trip better, let’s share some important tips: transportation, accommodation, and an itinerary idea.

Transportation

Mérida is located in a place well-connected to the rest of the world, beside the main highway connecting Madrid with Lisbon, and with many other minor roads to other cities in every direction.

By train

Prefer to pre-book or compare rail vs coach? You can check schedules and book via 12Go for the main routes serving Mérida—Madrid ⇄ Mérida, Seville ⇄ Mérida, Lisbon ⇄ Mérida, and Badajoz ⇄ Mérida. Note that on some dates, 12Go lists buses/shuttles rather than Renfe trains; if you specifically want Renfe-only tickets, also cross-check on renfe.com.

Book with 12Go:
Madrid ⇄ Mérida ·
Seville ⇄ Mérida ·
Lisbon ⇄ Mérida ·
Badajoz ⇄ Mérida.
For Renfe-only tickets: renfe.com.

By bus

Mérida is also well served by long-distance coaches. From Madrid (Estación Sur), there are several daily buses (Avanza/others), usually 4h15–5h30 depending on stops. From Seville (Plaza de Armas), services run a few times a day (ALSA/LED A) in ~2h10–3h30. And from Badajoz, it’s a short hop of ~50–70 min with frequent runs. There’s no regular direct Lisbon–Mérida coach—go Lisbon → Badajoz and change to a Badajoz → Mérida bus. Mérida’s bus station (Estación de Autobuses de Mérida) is at Av. de la Libertad s/n, an easy walk to the historic center. (Times and operators vary by date—check close to travel.)

Compare and book with 12Go:
Madrid ⇄ Mérida (bus) ·
Seville ⇄ Mérida (bus) ·
Lisbon ⇄ Badajoz (bus).
Tip: For Lisbon → Mérida, book Lisbon → Badajoz on 12Go, then connect Badajoz → Mérida locally (Avanza).

By car

If you want to visit Mérida as a part of a longer, long-distance route, the best option is to do it by car- your own car, or a rental car, as I did. In this way, you have the freedom to arrange your own schedule.

The historical center of Mérida is small- it can be easily explored just on foot, although the distance between the farthest from each other sites is relatively long (get a taxi in this case, if you don’t have your own transport). But if you travel by car, better to find a well-established parking lot for your safety.

I parked my car in the big parking lot (Parking Hernán Cortés) near the Open Mérida Museum, and it was very convenient- not far from the historical center, at the same time, near the Roman Circus. It was relatively cheap- I paid 4 EUR only, for about 4 hours.

Accommodation

Mérida is a touristy town, so you can find a lot of places to stay- from splurge hotels to budget hostels and homestays. You can easily discover them on Booking or Agoda. Besides the level of luxury and price, pay also attention to their location- it is always much more convenient to find a hotel in the historical center, or at least at its edge.

Depending on your way of traveling, look also for strategic transportation points- Mérida Railway Station (between the Aqueduct of Miracles and Aqueduct San Lazaro), or Estación de Autobuses de Mérida (Main bus station), located on the other bank of the Guadiana River, not far from the Roman Bridge and Alcazaba.

Planning your itinerary

It depends on your time and the depth of immersion in the world of Mérida that you are looking for. My time was limited, and I stayed in Mérida for only 4 hours. But I used this short time wisely- I focused on the most essential points of interest that could give me the best possible impression of the city: the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre, Temple of Diana, the Alcazaba with the Roman Bridge, Plaza de España, the Visigothic Museum, the Arch of Trajan, as well as some minor sites on the way, walking on the streets of the historical center.

But if you have more time, I would advise planning at least one day, or better two days with one night, to visit all the points of interest described above. You can do it in one day, but it would be a bit urgent, without too much time to enjoy and relax. But if you stay for one night, you can focus only on the historical center on the first day, and on the next day, you can go to the farther sites like the Roman Circus, the aqueducts, and Los Columbarios.

An idea: since at least half of the points of interest have entrance fees, why don’t you save some money by purchasing combo tickets or tickets with discounts? Here you can find more information about it:

Tickets & passes (official)

Best time to visit Mérida

The best time to visit Mérida depends not only on the season but also on the cultural events that you can enjoy. As mentioned above, there are two major festivals in the town that you can attend- Emerita Lvdica and the International Classical Theatric Festival. The first one is at the end of May- the beginning of June, and the second one is long, usually from the end of June to the end of August.

While the International Festival is held primarily in the Roman Theatre, Emerita Lvdica is everywhere around the town, and various “Roman” activities can be seen in many locations, mostly in the described points of interest, when the whole town turns into a “Roman city”, with “Roman citizens”.

• Emerita Lvdica (Roman re-enactment week): 19–25 May 2025 (past); 2026 dates TBA — traditionally late May. Check the official page before your trip.
• International Classical Theatre Festival: 4 Jul – 30/31 Aug 2025 at the Roman Theatre; 2026 dates TBA. Check the official page.

Always reconfirm dates close to travel; schedules may shift year to year.

FAQ: Visiting Mérida

Mérida rewards travelers who like substance over flash: walk the Roman street grid, read the stones, and let the city’s layers—Roman, Visigothic, Islamic, modern—stack into a clear picture. Use the route above, dip into MNAR to connect objects to places, and—if your dates align—time your visit with Emerita Lvdica or the summer theatre season. That’s how Mérida moves from “a list of ruins” to one coherent story.

Read more in our Iberian Peninsula travel guide.

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Krasen and Ying Ying

Hi, we are Krasen and Ying Ying. Krasen is from Bulgaria, and Ying Ying is from China. We are passionate about geography and history, and we believe that the best way to experience it is by exploring the Earth in reality, not in a school, and not virtually.

So, we created this blog Journey Beyond the Horizon, where we share geographical knowledge, travel guides and tips how to experience it when you explore our planet, and a lot of inspiration.

And we wish you a happy journey, not just virtually, but most of all- in reality.

Enjoy!