The crown jewel
If Merida is known as a place filled with Roman culture, a special mention must be made to the Roman Amphitheater.
I think this is without a doubt the most beautiful place in the city for many reasons. First of all, it’s just magnificent. It’s enormous from all angles. One of the best parts about visiting is that you can step on the ancient stands and take a seat. It’s important to keep in mind that we’re talking about a still-living place where they still perform plays. For example, when I was there, there were flyers for an upcoming Isabel Pantoja concert.
But the most special thing about the place is that it has been absolutely splendidly conserved. I mean, come on. They say it’s from 16 A.D. It’s hard to believe that looking at the great state it’s kept in.
It’s considered one of the 12 treasure of Spain, and will good reason. It’s spectacular! And the best is to go and visit it, and see many more corners of the city. After seeing the theater, head over to Merida’s Circus Maximus right next door. It’s another impressive, ancient structure.
The Roman theatre and amphitheatre of Mérida are next to each other and form, in my opinion, the most impressive part of the entire city. And while the theatre is more spectacular and well-preserved, the amphitheatre was much more beloved in its time and was the home to famous gladiator battles and duels between beasts and men.
It was inaugurated in 8B.C. and is formed by a sandy pit that measures 64 by 41 meters. The seats, which are divided into three sections (only two of which remain today), could hold up to 15,000 spectators. There were also two special viewing areas; one for the authorities and the other for the sponsors of the spectacle.
Nowadays, you can explore all the points of the amphitheatre, pass through the various gateways, and tread the sandy pit area. Basically, you can fully enjoy it. You can’t miss it!
If you don’t visit this area when you’re in Mérida, then you aren’t really visiting Mérida.