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'Mérida' is the capital of the autonomous community of Extremadura, Spain. It has a population of 53,915 (2006).

Contents

History

Sights

Miscellaneous

External links

History

It was founded in the year 25 BC, with the name of '''Emerita Augusta''' (the name ''Mérida'' is an evolution of this) by order of Emperor Augustus, to protect a pass and a bridge over the Guadiana river. Two veteran legions were the former settlers: ''V Alaudae'' and ''X Gémina''. The city became the capital of Lusitania province, and one of the most important cities in the Roman empire. Mérida preserves more important ancient Roman monuments than any other city in Spain (including a triumphal arch of the age of Trajan); because of this, the "Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida" is a World Heritage site.
During the Visigothic period it maintained much of its splendour, especially under the sixth-century domination of the bishops. Bishop Paul brought the diocese great wealth, making it the wealthiest diocese in Spain. Bishop Fidelis rebuilt the cathedral and under the bishop Masona it became the site of the first recorded hospital in Spain.

Sights

Among the remaining Roman monuments are the ''Puente Romano'', a bridge over the Guadiana river that is still used by pedestrians; an important fortification to defend the bridge, lately used by the Moors, called ''Alcazaba''; the Temple of Diana; the remains of the Forum, including the Arch of Trajan; the remains of the Circus Maximus; the ''Acueducto de los Milagros'' (aqueduct); a villa called the ''Mitreo''; the ''Embalse de Proserpina'' and ''Cornalvo'' reservoirs; the Circus, the Amphitheatre and the Roman Theatre where a summer festival of Classical theatre is presented, usually with versions of Greco-Roman classics or modern plays located in ancient times. One can also visit the Morerías archaeological site and many others all around the city, and watch digging in progress, as well as the ''Museo Nacional de Arte Romano''.
It is necessary to visit also the cathedral of Santa Maria and the Church of Santa Eulalia.

Miscellaneous

★ The cities of Mérida in Venezuela, capital of Mérida State, and Mérida in Yucatán, Mexico, were named after Mérida in Spain. A square in Mérida called the Glorieta de las Méridas del Mundo (Square of the Méridas of the World) contains an obelisk commemorating the three sister cities.

★ Mérida UD is the principal football team of the city.

External links

★ Merida Official Website

★ Roman Art National Museum

★ Pictures of Roman Merida

★ Photos of Merida : roman monuments and other views of the city