Visiting Merida, Spain
If you're thinking about adding Mérida to your travel plans, here's a little secret: this charming town is a must-see for any history lover, and it's just a short ride away from major cities like Madrid and Sevilla. From Madrid, you're looking at a three-hour drive, but if you're in Sevilla, it's a breezy two-hour trip, making it perfect for a day adventure. So, are you up for a road trip?
One of the first things you'll notice about Mérida is how easy it is to navigate. It's small enough that you can easily explore everything on foot—no need to worry about transport or complicated itineraries. Honestly, part of the charm here is getting lost among the ruins and winding streets. And with everything so close together, there's no pressure to stick to a strict schedule. If you feel like wandering back to something later, you totally can!
Within minutes of arriving in Mérida, I stumbled upon one of its coolest Roman gems—the massive bridge stretching over the Rio Guadiana. It’s about half a mile long, with 60 arches, and has only been pedestrian-friendly for the last 20 years. Back in the Roman days (and for centuries after), this bridge was a key player in wars and trade routes across west-central Spain. Fun fact: in 1808, two arches were knocked out to stop Napoleon's army! And before him, the Arabs tried to control the bridge by building a giant fortress at one end, using leftover Roman blocks. While the inside of the fortress is pretty bare, climbing up to the top gave me the perfect view of the entire bridge. Oh, and there’s this random underground cistern that's now a goldfish pond—who knew?
Next up was a visit to the church dedicated to St. Eulalia, a local girl who became a martyr during Roman times. Legend says she was thrown into a furnace, and they even have the original Roman oven on-site where it supposedly happened. How wild is that?
The Roman Theatre
Now, if there’s one spot you absolutely can’t miss, it’s the Roman Theatre. I mean, picture this: you're sitting where 6,000 spectators once did, back in 15 BC, when this masterpiece was built. Can you imagine the grand performances that must’ve taken place here, with people seated according to their social ranks, from the bottom to the top? It’s a total time machine moment, surrounded by intricate statues and beautiful columns that have stood the test of time.
Fun fact: it still hosts performances during the summer! So, if you’re lucky enough to visit during that time, why not grab a ticket and catch a show under the stars?
Next to the theatre is the Roman Amphitheatre, another gem from ancient times. While it might not have the colossal fame of the Colosseum in Italy, this place held up to 15,000 people back in its heyday! Gladiator battles, parades, and races—it all happened right here. Walking through the ruins, I could almost hear the roar of the crowd. Can you guess what it would’ve been like to witness a gladiator match live? Pretty wild, right?
Where to Stay: ILUNION Mérida Palace
After a day of exploring, I found the perfect spot to rest—Hotel ILUNION Mérida Palace. The room was not only spacious but had a separate entry room, perfect for keeping all my stuff organized. And let me tell you, finding hotels with excellent amenities these days can be tricky, but this one hit the mark with top-notch towels and a big, luxurious bathroom.
The decor? Absolutely charming and very much in tune with the local vibe. But here's what really sealed the deal for me—the breakfast! They served up everything from freshly squeezed juices to eggs cooked to perfection, fresh bread, and the tastiest pastries. It was the kind of breakfast that makes you look forward to waking up. And let’s not forget the staff, who were incredibly helpful, especially a lovely young lady at the front desk.
