Spain and Portugal for Visitors

The present-day capital of Extremadura, during the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, Mérida was the capital of the province of Lusitania (roughly the southern two-thirds of modern Portugal plus Estremadura), so is rich in Roman remains. This municipal site is excellent but lacks an English-language version: the links on the left (Historia, Pat. Humanidad (world heritage)) give you some background information while ZONA TURÍSTICA gives you more details and some great QTVR (I think) virtual visits.

The word "Mérida" comes from the town's Latin name, Emerita Augusta, given when it was refounded by retired (think emeritus) legionnaires in 25 BC. It was to become one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire, the capital of the province of Lusitania, so its Roman remains are substantial to say the least. The "Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida" is a World Heritage site for that reason, and has a bridge, forum, amphitheatre, theatre and circus, a villa, aqueduct and much more. The purpose-built National Museum of Roman Art is unmissable, one of the most interesting and entertaining museums I have ever been round.

Froma Photos d'Espagne.