[2025 Merida Attraction] Travel Guide for Temple of Diana (Updated Apr)

Located in the heart of Extremadura, Spain, Mérida is one of the most impressive Roman cities outside of Italy. Founded in 25 BC as Augusta Emerita by order of Emperor Augustus, Mérida became the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania and an important cultural, political, and military hub of the empire. Today, it boasts one of the most extensive and best-preserved collections of Roman ruins in Spain, earning it a UNESCO World Heritage designation. The Roman Theatre of Mérida, built in 16 BC, is the city’s most iconic structure. With seating for 6,000 spectators, it hosted theatrical performances, poetry recitals, and public speeches. Remarkably, it is still in use today for the Mérida International Classical Theatre Festival, bringing ancient drama back to life in its original setting. The semi-circular seating arrangement, grand stage, and towering marble columns make it one of the finest examples of Roman theatre architecture in Europe. The Amphitheatre: Gladiator Battles and Spectacle Adjacent to the theatre is the Roman Amphitheatre, completed in 8 BC. With a capacity of 15,000, this arena was the site of gladiator battles and wild animal hunts. Walking through its underground chambers and tunnels, visitors can imagine the roaring crowds as fighters engaged in brutal combat. The oval-shaped design, typical of Roman amphitheaters, closely resembles the Colosseum in Rome. Spanning the Guadiana River, the Puente Romano (Roman Bridge) is one of the longest surviving Roman bridges in the world. Originally built in the 1st century BC, this 792-meter-long structure with 60 arches was a key part of the Via de la Plata, an ancient Roman road connecting Mérida to other important cities. Today, it remains fully functional and is a favorite spot for leisurely walks, offering scenic views of the river and city. In the city center, the Temple of Diana stands as one of Mérida’s most impressive remnants of Roman religious architecture. Despite its name, it was likely a temple dedicated to the imperial cult rather than to the goddess Diana. Nearby, the Arch of Trajan, a grand stone gateway, once marked the entrance to the Roman forum and still stands as a reminder of Mérida’s former grandeur. The Roman Circus of Mérida is one of the largest and best-preserved in the world, rivaling even the Circus Maximus in Rome. Measuring 440 meters in length, it could accommodate up to 30,000 spectators who gathered to watch thrilling chariot races. The site still retains its original track, seating areas, and even parts of the starting gates, providing an authentic glimpse into the excitement of Roman sporting events. #romanforum

Merida, Mexico Travel Guide Located on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Merida is a city that blends history and culture. It's safe and perfect for travel. - Attractions: Don't miss the Merida Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas. Built with materials from Mayan temples, it stands as a testament to cultural fusion. The Plaza Grande, the heart of the city, features bustling markets and unique architecture. Paseo de Montejo is lined with colonial buildings, showcasing the city's rich history. The Gran Museo del Mundo Maya offers a comprehensive look at Mayan civilization with its extensive collection. - Food Exploration: Try "Cochinita Pibil," a slow-roasted whole pig marinated in achiote paste and wrapped in banana leaves for a unique flavor. "Relleno Negro" is a turkey dish filled with a rich, spicy sauce, often served during major festivals. "Papadzules" are corn tortillas filled with a pumpkin seed sauce and hard-boiled eggs, topped with a tomato and pepper sauce, a true local specialty. - Transportation and Accommodation: You can reach Merida by air from Mexico City and other locations. For accommodation, we recommend the Hotel Hacienda Merida in the city center, offering convenient access to attractions and a taste of local charm. - Suggested Itinerary: On the first day, visit the Cathedral and Plaza Grande in the morning, followed by a stroll along Paseo de Montejo in the afternoon. On the second day, explore the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya and enjoy local cuisine at the market in the evening.

Spain Westward ～ Badajoz Province (Region) A short stroll through the city you will find many other monuments that evoke its past: temples, amphitheaters, circuses, baths, aqueducts, arches... You can visit the Roman Empire Tour of Merida , to end your trip to the Roman Empire of Merida. Existing Roman cities One day is enough to explore the best of Merida and recreate its Roman past. This World Heritage city is home to a Roman theatre that is over 2,000 years old and still in use. Visit this city in the summer to admire its splendor. In June, the "Emerita Lvdica" festival takes place, which brings the streets of Merida back to the days of Romans and gladiators. In the evenings of July and August, the Teatro Romano hosts the International Festival of Classical Theatre. You can visit on foot the Temple of Diana, the Amphitheater, the Arch of Trajan, the Roman Bridge, the Roman Circus, the Acueducto de los Milagros... If you want to get to know ancient Merida, visit the National Museum of Roman Art and discover the great Roman mosaics and important examples of Roman sculpture. More than one day trip Quiet streets, squares that invite you to rest, green areas along the Guadiana River where you can stroll, landmarks such as the Arab Castle, and gastronomy that will make you want to linger for lunch and dinner. The surrounding area has many interesting attractions that will keep you busy. There are reasons to want to extend your stay in Merida. About 30 km from the city, you can visit some ancient Roman baths that have been integrated into modern spas. These are all located in Alanghe, where you can also visit the remains of the town’s fortress and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. These thermal baths are part of the Roman archaeological site of Merida, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meanwhile, just five kilometers from Merida is the Prosperpina Reservoir, built by the Romans. A little further you can visit the Cornalvo Nature Reserve and its reservoir, located between meadows. #2024TravelReview

Spain Westward Journey ~ Merida You will get this feeling when walking through Merida and suddenly you see an impressive and majestic Roman era temple, there are ruins all over the city but apart from the Roman theater and the bridge, this will be one of the best preserved, although you imagine its splendor and few remains. So if you’re in town, don’t miss it. #NovemberDestinations2024 #SpainTravel

The Temple of Diana is the best preserved Roman temple on the Iberian Peninsula. It is located at the highest point of the town and is a very important site in the city. The ancient Roman temple, also known as the goddess Diana at the time, is also known as the "Diana Temple". The temple of Diana was originally the center of the ancient Roman town. The temple was built in the first century AD. In the period of the Augustus, the Roman Empire destroyed the temple in the fifth century and was used as a place for execution. Later, the pillars of the medieval temple were embedded in the newly built walls and used as castles. In the Middle Ages in 1871 The building was demolished and the most primitive temple columns were presented to us.