Trajan’s Arch

Traianus Arch.
Little is known about this great arch, or whether or not it was built during the reign of this Roman Emperor.
It is 15 metres tall as part of the arch is buried under the pavement. It is believed that one of the main roads, called Kardus Maximus passed through the arch into the city. It was built with granite ashlars, and was possibly covered in marble.
Type of monument: Arch.
Period: Romanization (BC).
Style: Classical-roman.

Information for visits
Entry fee: Open access.

Must see...
Traianus Arch.
Surrounding area...
Roman remains of the town.

Mérida Fortress

The impressive military complex
It still retains remains from the Roman, Visigoth and Arabian eras in its interior. It was built by Abd-al-Rahman II as protection against foreign attacks and internal revolts.
The square based fortress is made up of granite stone ashlars and walls with square redoubts. It was given to the Order of Santiago after the Reconquest, and towers and other Medieval buildings were subsequently added thereby creating a convent and residency. The Roman underground reservoir still remains, with its barrel arch, lying next to the river, constantly filtering the water. It can be reached by going down a series of steps. Autonomous Government Headquarters.
Type of monument: Citadel.
Period: 15th Century.
Style: Different styles.

Information for visits
Timetables: 1 June to 30 September, daily, 9.30am-1.45pm and 5-7.15pm. 1 October to 31 May, 9.30am-1.45pm and 4-6.15pm. Closed: 1 January and 24, 25 and 31 December.
Entry fee:  Joint visit including Theatre, Amphitheatre, Fortress, Casa del Mitreo House, Visitor Centre, Crypt of Santa Eulalia Basilica, Roman Circus, Los Columbarios Funeral Area: €9 Admission to Fortress only: €3.50 Free: children under 8 years.  

Must see...
Church's cloister and nave, exterior walls, Roman underground reservoir, Roman wall, gateway into the underground reservoir.
Surrounding area...
The Temple of Diana, San Lázaro Aqueduct.

Los Milagros Aqueduct

A spectacular aqueduct
The construction of this aqueduct follows the contours of the land achieved using materials such as brick, ashlars, masonry, and natural rock.
There are three rows of arches, with distribution towers and a lime pool, and a stepped-end tank to decant the water. The area of the Albarregas valley is 25 metres high. The construction materials used are granite and brick which gives it an original, chromatic effect. Its series of semicircular arches are reinforced by a series of higher arches.
Type of monument: Aqueduct.
Origin: Romanization (BC).
Period: Ist Century.
Style: Classical-roman.

Information for visits
Entry fee:  Open access.  

Must see......
Aqueduct and natural surroundings.

Surrounding area...
Proserpina Reservoir.

Santa María de la Asunción Procathedral

On a Visigoth temple.
This temple, which preserves remains from the 13th century, was built between the 17th and 18th centuries.

It was built over an earlier Roman-Visigoth temple. This is a building divided in three naves by square pillars. The main front which faces the square comprises a first flat body on which a vaulted niche is superimposed with the image of Our Lady of Guidance. Inside, there are the tombs of the expert Don Alonso de Cárdenas and of the Duke and Duchess de la Roca. The front of the foot is Neoclassic.
Type of monument: Church.
Period: 17th Century.

Information for visits
Timetables: Summer, daily, 12-1pm and 7-9pm. Winter, 12-1pm and 7-8.30pm.
Entry fee:  Free admission.  
Services: Visits at any time, by prior appointment, on tel: +34 924317054 

Must see...
The tombs of Don Alonso de Cárdenas and of the Duke and Duchess de la Roca.
Surrounding area...
City Hall, Palace of Burnay, Hotel Emperatriz, walled enclosure, Citadel and bridges.