Mérida

Once the capital of Roman Lusitania, Mérida holds Spain's richest collection of Roman ruins, including a spectacular theatre, amphitheatre and aqueduct. The National Museum of Roman Art adds context to one of Europe's most complete ancient sites.

Things to do

• Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre — Explore the twin complex built under Augustus, still used for the summer Classical Theatre Festival and one of the best-preserved Roman entertainment venues in the world.
• National Museum of Roman Art — Wander Rafael Moneo's brick basilica-like building housing mosaics, statues and everyday objects that bring Augusta Emerita's daily life into focus.
• Los Milagros Aqueduct — Walk beneath the towering brick-and-granite arches that once carried water from the Proserpina reservoir into the ancient city.
• Temple of Diana — See the striking Roman temple whose columns were preserved because a Renaissance palace was later built around them.
• Roman Bridge over the Guadiana — Cross one of the longest surviving Roman bridges, still spanning the river beside the Alcazaba fortress.
• Alcazaba fortress — Visit the 9th-century Moorish fort built partly from reused Roman and Visigothic stone, with a unique underground cistern.
• Casa del Mitreo and Roman houses — Step onto original Roman floor mosaics and see the layout of wealthy townhouses from the Roman colony.
• Trajan's Arch — Pass under this monumental granite arch, once part of the Roman city's ceremonial route, right in the modern town centre.